Here's what the experts say about the benefits and risks of veganism in childhood.

Veganism is on the rise in certain parts of the world. Though global data is limited, around 3% of the world's population was estimated to be vegan in 2018. In the US, a 2023 Gallup poll found that 1% of the population said they followed a vegan diet.

More recently, a survey by The Vegan Society found that around 3% of the UK population has a plant-based diet – equivalent to approximately two million people.

There are many well-documented benefits to such a choice. For one, eating meat and dairy is notoriously bad for the planet, while plants offer a much more sustainable solution. Many people have ethical concerns about the welfare of animals bred for consumption, and there is evidence that balanced, varied vegan diets have some health advantages as well.

Nevertheless, isolated cases of severe malnutrition in infants have led some to argue that a vegan diet is unsafe for children.

However, expert opinion on whether children can stay healthy and follow a vegan diet varies around the world. While official dietary associations in both America and the UK argue that a vegan diet, when appropriately planned, is safe for infants and children, in Germany, France, Belgium and Poland, health authorities have some concerns.

Unfortunately, historically there has been little research on the health impact of a plant-based diet for children, but that is finally starting to change, with a host of new studies offering up insights.

But let's back up a little. Vegans do not eat any foods derived from animals. They eschew meat, fish, dairy and eggs, and instead eat a diet based on plants, as well as fungi, algae and bacteria. Think vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans and legumes, but also bread, pasta and hummus – many foods are accidentally vegan.

So, what does the science say about the effects of a vegan diet in childhood?

"The biggest benefits we see relate to cardiovascular health, so the health of your heart and all of your vascular system," says Federica Amati, a nutritional scientist at Imperial College London and head nutritionist at ZOE, a company offering personalised nutrition advice.

"People who follow vegan diets have decreased LDL cholesterol, less blockages in their arteries, and reduced risk of heart attack and strokes. They also tend to be leaner, lighter and have a lower risk of developing obesity," says Amati.

A plant-based diet is also associated with a reduced risk of metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, as well as certain cancers such as colorectal cancer.

One of the reasons that plants are so good for us is that they are rich in fibre – a nutrient 90% of us don't get enough of. They are also packed with molecules called polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties and are associated with all sorts of health benefits, such as decreased risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes.

Another reason some people might benefit from eating less meat and dairy is that animal-based foods tend to be high in saturated fats, which if eaten to excess can raise levels of 'bad' LDL blood cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.

"When we think about foods, it's always helpful to think about what they're contributing and in what package," says Amati. "So, if you're eating a steak you're getting a lot of protein, iron, zinc and some micronutrients from that beef." However, Amati points out that along with those things, you're also getting saturated fat and certain chemicals like carnitine – a nutrient which plays a role in

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