German paediatric specialists emphasise the need for structured support and supplementation to prevent nutrient deficiencies in children following vegetarian or vegan diets, as plant-based eating becomes increasingly popular among the young.
German paediatric specialists have updated their advice on vegetarian and vegan diets for children and adolescents, warning that restrictive eating patterns can increase the risk of nutrient shortfalls if they are not carefully managed. In guidance reported by the German Medical Journal and published by the German Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, the focus is on the need for closer attention to vegan diets in particular, alongside a more practical approach that does not alarm families unnecessarily.
The society says the main concerns are vitamin B12, iron, iodine, calcium, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Silvia Rudloff, a co-author of the statement, told the German Medical Journal that any one-sided or strongly limiting diet can raise the risk of deficiencies. Hermann Kalhoff, also on the DGKJ nutrition commission, said many paediatric practices are now caring for families who deliberately avoid certain foods or whole food groups.
The updated recommendations call for structured medical and nutritional support. That includes a detailed review of eating habits, regular checks on growth through weight, height and body-mass index, and clinical or laboratory tests where deficiency is suspected. The society also wants qualified dietary counselling, ideally from trained specialists, so that families receive specific advice rather than broad warnings.
Supplementation is a key part of the guidance. The DGKJ says vitamin B12 should be monitored and, in the case of a vegan diet, is essential; for some children, extra vitamin D, iodine, calcium or omega-3 fatty acids may also be appropriate. The society argues for a balanced tone: parents and young people should be told clearly about the risks, but also shown how a nutritionally adequate diet can be achieved in practice.
The advice comes as plant-based eating becomes more common in Germany. According to figures cited by the German Medical Journal, 14 per cent of 14- to 29-year-olds describe themselves as vegetarian, while 37 per cent say they are flexitarian, meaning they mostly eat plant-based foods. A review published last year in Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition found that vegetarian and vegan diets can support normal growth in children if they are properly planned, though vegan diets in particular need careful compensation for micronutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D and iron.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
