Dietary intake, nutritional status, and health outcomes among vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous Czech families.

Abstract

Vegan diets are gaining popularity in the general population because of their perceived environmental and health benefits. However, concerns remain regarding potential nutrient deficiencies, particularly during critical growth periods. We aimed to compare growth, cardiovascular health, bone turnover, iodine, and overall micronutrient status among families adhering to vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous dietary habits. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 95 Czech families (47 vegan, 23 vegetarian, and 25 omnivore), comprising 187 adults and 142 children. Clinical examination, fasting blood, and 3-day prospective diet records were collected to compare growth, cardiovascular health, bone turnover, iodine, and overall micronutrient status among dietary groups and across ages. We used robust mixed-effect models, adjusted for confounders and accounting for family clustering, for group comparison and elastic net logistic regression. No significant differences in children's growth characteristics between the dietary groups are found. Vegan children have the best cardiometabolic indices (low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol) observed as well as in adults. Comparable indices of bone turnover among groups are observed, although vitamin D levels are generally highest and urinary phosphate levels lowest in vegan groups. While vegan children show lower urinary iodine, it is not associated with differences in thyroid-stimulating hormone levels compared to other groups. Mixed-effects models demonstrate familial clustering of height, uric acid, high-density lipoprotein, parathormone, and vitamins B12 and D in children and selenium, zinc, iodine, vitamin B12, and folate in adults. Our results show that dietary habits significantly predict nutritional biomarkers, with familial influences contributing to interindividual variability. While vegans have better cardiometabolic profiles, low iodine status could be of concern. Vegan and vegetarian diets are increasingly popular, but concerns remain about whether they provide all essential nutrients for children’s growth and health. This study compared Czech families following vegan, vegetarian, or omnivorous diets, where children had been on the respective diet since birth. We examined 95 families, including 142 children, through physical exams, dietary records, and blood and urine samples. Children across all diet groups had similar growth and bone health. Vegan families showed the most favorable cholesterol and cardiovascular health indices, but also had lower iodine levels. Family patterns influenced several vitamin and mineral levels. Overall, plant-based diets supported normal child growth and provided cardiometabolic benefits, although iodine intake may require attention.