Abstract
Consumers are increasingly encouraged to consume more plant-based foods and lower their consumption of foods from animal origin. Concurrently, older adults are recommended to consume an adequate amount of high-quality dietary protein for the prevention of age-related muscle loss. In the current Perspective article, we discuss why it may not be preferred to consume a vegan diet at an older age. Our perspective is based on the proposed lower bioavailability and functionality of proteins in a vegan diet due to the matrix of the whole-food protein sources, the lower essential amino acid (EAA) content, and specific EAA deficiencies in proteins derived from plant-based foods. We propose that a vegan diet increases the risk of an inadequate protein intake at an older age and that current strategies to improve the anabolic properties of plant-based foods are not feasible for many older adults. We provide recommendations for further research to substantiate the remaining knowledge gaps regarding the consequences of a vegan diet on skeletal muscle mass and strength at an older age.Statement of Significance: To our knowledge, this is the first article that provides an evidence-based perspective regarding the potential impact of a vegan diet on muscle mass and strength in older adults. The current perspective is highly relevant considering the envisaged shifts towards sustainable dietary guidelines.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 712-725 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Advances in Nutrition |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 2 Feb 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2022 |
Keywords
- ANTINUTRITIONAL FACTORS
- BODY-COMPOSITION
- ESSENTIAL AMINO-ACIDS
- LEAN MASS
- PROTEIN-INTAKE
- QUALITY
- RESISTANCE EXERCISE
- SKELETAL-MUSCLE
- SOY-PROTEIN
- TRAINING-INDUCED CHANGES
- aging
- animal-based food
- plant-based diet
- plant-based food
- protein
- sustainable food