It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. These diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes.

Jack Norris, Registered Dietitian and Executive Director of Vegan Outreach, has provided us with detailed information about vegan diets for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children. See also his specific vitamin B12 recommendations for children of different ages.

​For concise and general nutrient recommendations, please see Vegan Nutrition in Pregnancy and Childhood by Reed Mangels, PhD, RD and Katie Kavanagh-Prochaska, RD.

Dr. Michael Greger provides additional tips for being a healthy vegan during pregnancy here.

​At the other end of the age spectrum, plant-based diets may help prevent age-associated diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and arthritis.

For helpful tips on healthy aging as a vegan, please see Dr. Michael Greger's recommendations for healthy aging, and preventing, treating, and reversing Alzheimer's and cognitive decline.