Veganism is on the rise in certain parts of the world. Though global data is limited, around 3% of the world's population was estimated to be vegan in 2018. In the US, a 2023 Gallup poll found that 1% of the population said they followed a vegan diet, BBC reports. There are many well-documented benefits to such a choice. For one, eating meat and dairy is notoriously bad for the planet, while plants offer a much more sustainable solution. Many people have ethical concerns about the welfare of animals bred for consumption, and there is evidence that balanced, varied vegan diets have some health advantages as well. Nevertheless, isolated cases of severe malnutrition in infants have led some to argue that a vegan diet is unsafe for children. So, what does the science say about the effects of a vegan diet in childhood? Read the full report about what the experts say about the benefits and risks of veganism in childhood here.
