In recent years, as veganism has grown ever more popular, so too have the old debates. Some will raise health questions about the risks of protein and iron deficiencies while others will present ethical concerns about the future of livestock in a cruelty-free world.

Although some of these debates are simply based on myths or misconceptions, others raise valid and worthwhile questions for vegans to think about.

Today we’ll be taking a look at an important question that many vegans have to resolve at some point in their lives. Is it okay to raise children on a purely vegan diet?

Is Veganism Healthy for Children?

Of course, the first concern of any parent will be the health and safety of their children. A good diet is one of the most important things you can give a child because it will impact their physical health, their mental health, and their ability to study and do well in school.

With that in mind, it’s understandable that many vegan parents or parents-to-be will have questions about how a vegan diet could affect their child’s health and development.

When it comes to the benefits versus the risks of going vegan on your health, there is no broad scientific consensus one way or another. A vegan diet certainly can be healthier - at least in many aspects - but it can also introduce new complications.

Things get even more complicated when you’re talking about children, however.

Studies show that veganism can have a stronger and more notable effect on a child than on adults, as their bodies are still developing. Potential benefits include lower blood cholesterol and a better cardiovascular system overall, while the main risk is reduced bone mineral density.

That being said, there are also health risks to the consumption of meat and dairy which would also be amplified during a child’s development.

Ultimately, while great care should be taken to ensure that a child’s diet is healthy and balanced, there is no reason to believe that a well-thought-out vegan diet would have a serious, negative, long-term impact on their health.