Vitamin D intake and status in children and adolescents: Comparing vegetarian, vegan, and omnivorous diets

Consequences of a non-supplemented pediatric vegan diet: Nephrolithiasis & nutritional calcipenic rickets

Rickets and other nutritional deficiencies have largely been eradicated in the industrialized world. However, strict adherence to modern diet trends such as veganism may leave individuals vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies if proper supplementation is not followed. The effects of such deficiencies due to diet trends, particularly in children, is not well documented as occurrences are rare. Here we present a case of a 3-year-old female fed a strict vegan diet which led to the development of nutritional calcipenic rickets, failure to thrive, and nephrolithiasis.

Nutrient Intakes in Vegans, Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarians, Orthodox Fasters, and Omnivores in Russia: A Cross-Sectional Study

In Eastern Europe, the number of vegetarians is growing, and the number of people adhering to Christian Lents is traditionally high. However, data on the nutritional value of plant-based diets in this part of the world are limited. The aim of this study was to compare the nutritional intakes of three groups with different plant-based patterns with that of omnivores in Russia, Moscow region. The nutrient intakes of 46 vegans, 49 lacto-ovo-vegetarians, 42 people who adhered to Orthodox Great Lent, and 48 omnivores were assessed. The food frequency questionnaire method was used for data collection and analysis. The differences in absolute and calorie adjusted nutrient intakes between the groups were analysed. Additionally, a pairwise comparison of the general plant-based group (combined of the vegan, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, and Great Lent samples) and the omnivorous groups was conducted. Vegan diet was the most favourable in micronutrient composition. The intake of many micronutrients increased when switching to a more plant-based diet from a more animal-based one. The opposite association was observed only for selenium and vitamins D and B12. Fasting people consumed more iodine and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; however, after the calorie content was standardized, the omnivores caught up with them. The omnivores had the largest list of dietary inadequacies: they significantly more often than all other groups had inadequate intake of cholesterol (excessive), fibre, potassium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins B1, B6, B9, and E (insufficient). Inadequate intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, calcium, iodine, chromium, molybdenum, and zinc; or vitamins B2, PP, H, B12, and D was observed rather often in all the studied groups. Although, the vegan diet was richer in most micronutrients, plant products often contain substances that reduce the bioavailability of various nutrients, which can partially affect their status in the body, and, thus, may increase the need in them in vegetarians and fasters.

Physical activity and vitamin D in children: a review of impacts on bone health and fitness

OBJECTIVES

This review explores the relationship between physical activity and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in children and adolescents, highlighting the importance of vitamin D for bone health and muscle function.

CONTENT

A narrative mini review was conducted by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus for studies published from January 2000 to April 2024, focusing on children aged 5-18 years. Ten studies were reviewed, including five cross-sectional, three population-based, one longitudinal, and one randomized controlled trial. Overall, physically active children and teens were more likely to maintain sufficient 25(OH)D levels and demonstrated better physical fitness, especially in muscle strength, compared to their less active peers. One study linked higher vitamin D levels to increased bone mineral content in active adolescents, while another reported a positive connection between vitamin D and bone density. Risk factors for deficiency included limited sun exposure, low physical activity, sedentary behavior, and obesity, with the latter group being more prone to low vitamin D levels, which were negatively associated with fat mass. Interventions that increased physical activity were found to improve vitamin D levels.

SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK

Regular physical activity, especially outdoor exercise, is associated with healthier vitamin D levels in children, supporting better bone health and physical fitness.