How can something carcinogenic be necessary for growth? New data coming from Israel provide a scientific basis for further developing as well as correcting current public health guidelines and dietary recommendations for families worldwide.

Crude monthly means of anthropometry at routine ages by family dietary patterns. Graphic: Kerem Avital and Prof. Danit Shahar

BE’ER SHEVA – A large-scale study by Israeli researchers shows that a vegetarian or vegan diet for infants and young children does not pose a risk to normal physical growth, provided it is well planned and properly supported. The findings were recently published in the prestigious journal JAMA Network Open and are based on data from nearly 1.2 million children collected between 2014 and 2023.

The research team —led by Kerem Avital, MPH, and Prof. Danit R. Shahar, PhD, both from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU)— worked in close cooperation with the Nutrition Department of the Israeli Ministry of Health. Additional contributors included Uri Hamiel from the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, as well as Naomi Fliss-Isakov and Moran Blaychfeld-Magnaz from the Ministry of Health.

Scope and Methodology

The researchers used a comprehensive national registry covering around 70% of all Israeli infants. Using these data, they compared growth trajectories —weight, length, and head circumference— of children raised in omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan households up to the age of two.

Key Findings

Similar growth curves: By the age of two, children from vegetarian and vegan households showed almost identical values for weight, length, and head circumference compared with children on an omnivorous diet.

Estimated probability of stunting, underweight, and overweight in the first 24 months of life according to family dietary patterns. Graphic: Kerem Avital and Prof. Danit Shahar

Early differences even out: Although vegan-fed infants had a slightly higher risk of being underweight during the first 60 days, these differences disappeared statistically by 24 months of age.

Low rates of growth delay: Rates of stunting (a measure of delayed linear growth) were low across all dietary groups and did not differ significantly.

Interpretation and Significance

The authors emphasize that the findings do not mean every plant-based diet is automatically healthy. Rather, careful planning and professional nutritional guidance are essential to ensure adequate intake of key nutrients. In vegan diets in particular, nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids must be addressed to avoid developmental risks.

“In the context of developed countries, these findings are very reassuring,” said lead author Kerem Avital. According to the research team, the data provide a strong scientific basis for the further development of public health guidelines and dietary recommendations for families worldwide.

Practical takeaways – what matters most for vegetarian/vegan toddlers

Vitamin B12: Mandatory for vegan diets; often advisable for vegetarian diets (supplement).

Iron: From legumes, whole grains, nuts; always combine with vitamin C.

Omega-3 (DHA): Best provided via algae oil supplements.

Protein: Adequate intake from legumes, soy, yogurt/eggs (vegetarian).

Calcium & Vitamin D: Fortified foods and, if needed, vitamin D supplementation.

Iodine & Zinc: Iodized salt; zinc from whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Study conclusion

A well-planned vegetarian or vegan diet can support normal growth in young children —planning, guidance, and targeted supplementation (especially B12, DHA, and vitamin D) are key.

By Okay Altinisik | 11-2-2026, 17:58:43