Comparison of anthropometric nutritional status and food consumption in vegetarian and omnivorous children from a region of Colombia.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12873/444gomezramirezKeywords:
nutritional status, eating, diet vegetarian, diet vegan, childAbstract
Introduction: There is currently an increase in families that provide their children with a plant-based diet. Nutritional status by anthropometry and food consumption has been performed on children in developed countries, but little is known about it in developing countries.
Objective: To compare the anthropometric nutritional status and food consumption of children under 12 years old from vegetarian and omnivorous families from the Aburrá Valley, in Colombia.
Materials and Methods: An analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out with comparison of groups matched by age, gender and socioeconomic status. The groups consisted of vegetarian and omnivorous children between 6 months and 12 years old. Anthropometric measures, nutritional status and food consumption were analyzed in both groups.
Results: The difference in weight between groups was 1.6 kg and 4.5 cm in size, being lower in vegetarians. However, they were within normal nutritional status. The vegetarian population has a higher consumption of fiber, vitamin C and folate, although less protein, calcium and cobalamin intake compared to the omnivorous population. The results obtained in the present study show that children from vegetarian families do not have specific nutritional risks beyond those that the omnivorous population would have.
Conclusion: Emphasis should be placed on the vigilance of vegetarian children in terms of height and sufficient consumption of protein, calcium and cobalamin, although the latter micronutrient will be covered by the recommended supplementation for this age group. Compared to other studies, it is identified with comparable consumption. However, the nutrient cut-off points are a little more demanding for developing countries.
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