Can a human grow well on a vegan diet is a question that can be answered a number of ways.

Remember, soda pop and potato chips are vegan and the growth that will result from eating them may not be that which is desired.

If the question is can a human enjoy healthy development while eating a vegan diet, the answer is yes. More, though the percentage of body weight composed of by fat and lean tissue may be lower in vegans than in meat and animal product eaters, over-all body composition is likely more closely aligned with healthy goals.

According to a study completed by the American Diabetes Association, the average Body Mass Index (BMI) in the US is 28.8 and the average BMI for the vegetarians and vegans that they studied were:

• vegetarians (consuming eggs & dairy): 25.7
• vegans: 23.6

The difference in body weight between those eating an animal based diet and those consuming only plants was, on average, was 40 lbs. Important to note, that in general a BMI of less than 25 is considered healthy.

Assuming a sufficient calorie intake is maintained, a well rounded vegan diet can supply all of the nutrition necessary to grow and maintain a healthy human adult body.

Remember, supplementation with Vitamin B12 is important to long term vegan eaters. Other than that essential nutrient missing from today’s fresh plant based food supply, all the nutrition that is necessary for healthy development is present in a vegan nutritional plan.

You may interested in this book for some great recipes from a vegan nutrition expert: The How Not to Die Cookbook | NutritionFacts.org

Nutritionally rich, fiber dense food is a sound way to go!