1. Perspective
- Author
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Jacintha Domić, Pol Grootswagers, Luc J C van Loon, Lisette C P G M de Groot, Humane Biologie, and RS: NUTRIM - R3 - Respiratory & Age-related Health
- Subjects
Diet, Vegan ,BODY-COMPOSITION ,PROTEIN-INTAKE ,Medicine (miscellaneous) ,Eating ,TRAINING-INDUCED CHANGES ,Animals ,Humans ,Life Science ,QUALITY ,Muscle, Skeletal ,RESISTANCE EXERCISE ,Aged ,VLAG ,Nutrition and Dietetics ,animal-based food ,aging ,SOY-PROTEIN ,Nutritional Biology ,LEAN MASS ,plant-based diet ,sustainable food ,ANTINUTRITIONAL FACTORS ,plant-based food ,ESSENTIAL AMINO-ACIDS ,SKELETAL-MUSCLE ,Amino Acids, Essential ,Dietary Proteins ,protein ,Food Science - 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.
- Published
- 2022
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