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Vegan Diet Supports Healthy Growth in Infants
A large retrospective study has examined the growth patterns of infants born to vegan and omnivorous parents and found both to be suitable for growth and development. Growth rates were similar between vegan and nonvegans, including at birth and 24 months. Vegan infants were slightly more likely to be underweight, though that difference disappeared by 24 months of age.1 Previous studies have shown that breast-fed children grow more gradually than formula-fed babies, and that gradual growth has a long-term health advantage.2
References
- Avital K, Fliss-Isakov N, Shahar D, et al. Growth trajectories in infants from families with plant-based or omnivorous dietary patterns. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9(2):e2557798. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.57798
- Koletzko B, von Kries R, Closa R, et al. Lower protein in infant formula is associated with lower weight up to age 2 y: a randomized clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Jun;89(6):1836-45. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2008.27091.
