Vegan diets support healthy growth in children
A landmark retrospective study of nearly 1.2 million infants (2014-2023) shows that vegan diets can fully support healthy growth and development. By age two, infants raised on plant-based diets reach similar height, weight and head circumference milestones as their omnivorous peers.
Early, minor weight differences sometimes noted between non-vegan and vegan infants typically disappear by 24 months. Health experts point out that these variations may reflect the higher calorie and fat intake from animal products rather than any deficiency in vegan diets. In fact, slightly slower early growth may be a better, healthier growth pattern, especially in populations where excess protein and calorie intake are common.
The findings reinforce that with good planning and appropriate supplements during pregnancy and early childhood, vegan diets provide everything needed for optimal growth, long-term health and sustainability. This research offers families strong reassurance that raising children on compassionate, plant-based diets is both healthy and planet-friendly.
Avital K, Fliss-Isakov N, Shahar DR et al. 2026. Growth trajectories in infants from families with plant-based or omnivorous dietary patterns. JAMA Network Open. 9 (2) e2557798.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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