Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Plant-based diets (PBDs) are dietary patterns characterized by a certain degree of animal-derived food exclusion. PBDs can be divided into different dietary patterns, from vegetarian to vegan, depending on the degree and the extent of animal-derived food avoidance. PBDs are becoming epidemically popular among the general population, including adult subjects as well as children and adolescents, who often follow the dietary pattern chosen by their families. METHODS: Our narrative review aims to analyze the most frequently adopted plant-based dietary patterns in children and adolescents and to evaluate their feasibility, advantages, and risks in terms of health promotion and disease prevention in the developmental age. The MEDLINE-PubMed database was searched to collect and select publications from 1980 to 2024. RESULTS: Subjects following these dietary patterns, especially vegan diets, must be under strict nutritional control and receive adequate micronutrients and vitamin supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Nutrition-skilled professionals should be adequately updated and informed about the feasibility and the risks of these different patterns' adoption at different ages, as they should guide and accompany children and adolescents and their families in their nutritional choices without prejudices, granting adequate macronutrient and micronutrient intake, adequate growth and neurodevelopment.