Pediatr. praxi. 2025;26(5):301-304 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2025.060

Plant-based diets for children - practical guidance for doctors

MUDr. Martin Světnička, Ph.D.1, 2, Mgr. Marina Jeřábková2, 3, 5, MUDr. Eliška Selinger2, 4, 5
1 Klinika dětí a dorostu, Fakultní nemocnice Královské Vinohrady a 3. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy v Praze
2 Centrum pro výzkum výživy, metabolismu a diabetu, 3. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy v Praze
3 Ústav hygieny, 3. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy v Praze
4 Oddělení epidemiologie a biostatistiky, 3. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy v Praze
5 Centrum podpory veřejného zdraví, Státní zdravotní ústav, Praha

Plant-based diets, such as vegetarianism and veganism, are enjoying growing popu­larity and are increasingly common among children and adolescents. However, an improperly balanced diet that completely lacks animal products can lead to nutritional deficiencies. The most common risks include insufficient energy intake, as well as deficiencies in vitamin B12, iodine, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and essential fatty acids. Based on current knowledge, however, these risks can be identified in time and minimized with a pro­perly balanced plant-based diet and regular supplementation of at-risk micronutrients.

Keywords: veganism, vegetarianism, plant-based diet, children, nutrition, deficiency, iodine, vitamin B12.

Accepted: October 20, 2025; Published: October 30, 2025  Show citation

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Světnička M, Jeřábková M, Selinger E. Plant-based diets for children - practical guidance for doctors. Pediatr. praxi. 2025;26(5):301-304. doi: 10.36290/ped.2025.060.
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