Author Login

Correspondence to Author: Maria Luisa Forchielli^1*; Alessandra Bassini²;Francesca Maria Anessi-Pessina³. 

1. DIMEC, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy; Health Science Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (CIRI-SDV), University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
2. Health coach, Nutritionist, Bologna, Italy
3. Undergraduate Student, Catholic University, Milan, Italy

DOI: 10.52338/jonsfr.2025.4377

Abstract:

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.

Citation:

Maria Luisa Forchielli, Dietary Influences On Child Health: Comparing Plant- Based And Western Eating Patterns. Journal of Nutrition and Food Science Research 2025.