Examining the effects of a vegan diet in young children

Vegan Diet in Young Children - Studies of Nutritional Intake, Growth and Neurodevelopment

Umeå University · NCT05442281

This study is testing how a vegan diet affects the growth and nutrition of young children compared to those eating a mixed diet.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages4 Months to 8 Months
SexAll
SponsorUmeå University (other)
Locations1 site (Umeå)
Trial IDNCT05442281 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the dietary intake and development of children following a vegan diet compared to those on a mixed diet. The study will include 30 children under 6 months old, who will be monitored from the introduction of complementary foods until at least 2 years of age. The researchers hypothesize that a vegan diet may lead to reduced bioavailability of certain essential micronutrients critical for early development. The study will take place from 2021 to 2026 at Umeå University.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children under 6 months whose parents plan to provide either a vegan or mixed diet.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic diseases affecting growth or neurodevelopment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the nutritional impacts of vegan diets on early childhood development.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on vegan diets in young children, this study addresses a novel area that has not been extensively explored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Planned exclusive vegan diet or mixed diet respectively from 6 months of age until at least 2 years of life
* Exclusively (\>90%) breastfed until 4 months
* Born term (GE 37+0 - 41+6)
* Single birth
* Birth weight \>2500 g
* Apgar score 5 min \> 5

Exclusion Criteria:

\* A chronic disease affecting growth or neurodevelopment

Where this trial is running

Umeå

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Vegan Diet

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.