by Jacintha Domić, Pol Grootswagers, Luc J. C. van Loon and Lisette C. P. G. M. de Groot
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.
Reference:
Perspective: Vegan Diets for Older Adults? A Perspective On the Potential Impact On Muscle Mass and Strength (Jacintha Domić, Pol Grootswagers, Luc J. C. van Loon and Lisette C. P. G. M. de Groot), In Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), volume 13, 2022.
Bibtex Entry:
@article{domic_perspective_2022,
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.},
author = {Domi{\'c}, Jacintha and Grootswagers, Pol and van Loon, Luc J. C. and de Groot, Lisette C. P. G. M.},
date-modified = {2023-01-07 15:07:37 +0000},
doi = {10.1093/advances/nmac009},
issn = {2156-5376},
journal = {Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)},
keywords = {Aged, Amino Acids, Diet, Vegan, Protein, Muscle, Plant-Based, Protein},
language = {eng},
month = jun,
number = {3},
pages = {712--725},
pmcid = {PMC9156387},
pmid = {35108354},
shorttitle = {Perspective},
title = {Perspective: {Vegan} {Diets} for {Older} {Adults}? {A} {Perspective} {On} the {Potential} {Impact} {On} {Muscle} {Mass} and {Strength}},
volume = {13},
year = {2022},
bdsk-url-1 = {https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmac009}}