What are the Growth, body composition, and cardiovascular nutritional risk of 5- to 10-y-old children consuming vegetarian, vegan, or omnivore diets?
Plant-based diets (PBDs) have recently gained popularity in many parts of the world. Although formal figures are sparse, various sources show that increasing number of people in industrialized countries are embracing meat-free diets. In general, vegetarian diets exclude meat and fish, but vegan diets prohibit all animal-derived items, including dairy and eggs. The rise in popularity can be attributed to three factors: planetary sustainability, improved health, notably the prevention of no communicable disease (NCD), and increased awareness for animal welfare. The first two have recently been reflected in a number of worldwide health organizations' guidelines for healthy eating. These difficulties mostly affect adults, who may use them to guide eating choices for their children. Vegetarianism and veganism have been studied for their health benefits. For youngsters, there is less proof. Atherosclerosis begins in childhood and is linked to cardiometabolic risk factors that persis...