Dietary Influences On Child Health: Comparing Plant- Based And Western Eating Patterns.

A plant-based diet has potential health benefits. To address this, data on dietary patterns, growth, and infection rates were collected from children adhering to a plant- based diet and compared to those following a Western diet through a questionnaire. The study comprised 88 children (44 on a plant-based diet and 44 on a Western diet) stratified into three age groups: under 3 years, 3 to under 6 years, and 6 to 13 years. Children following a plant-based diet exhibited a lower incidence of infections and recurrences during preschool and school age compared to those adhering to a Western diet. In the plant-based group, growth parameters were within normal ranges, and dietary patterns appeared wellbalanced with antioxidant vitamins within recommendations apart from vitamin D. Notably, vitamin D consumption was also insufficient in the Western diet group. Adopting a plant-based eating regimen may yield health advantages for children worth an inquiry on the long-term