A self-selected vegan diet reduces skeletal muscle mass in healthy older adults: a randomized controlled trial.
Jacintha Domić, Pol Grootswagers, Philippe Jm Pinckaers et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a self-selected vegan diet on skeletal muscle mass and protein synthesis in 72 healthy older adults aged 65 and above. Results indicated that the vegan diet significantly reduced protein intake and led to a decrease in thigh muscle volume by 0.61 L and appendicular lean mass by 1.15 kg compared to an omnivorous diet, with both differences being statistically significant (P < 0.0001).
Key findings
- Vegan diet reduced protein intake by -27.7 g/d at week 1 compared to baseline (P < 0.0001).
- Thigh muscle volume decreased by -0.61 L in the vegan group compared to omnivores (P < 0.0001).
- Appendicular lean mass decreased by -1.15 kg in the vegan group compared to omnivores (P < 0.0001).
- Muscle protein synthesis was lower in the vegan group at 1.09 %/d compared to 1.27 %/d in omnivores (P = 0.0073).
Why it matters
The findings highlight the potential risks of a vegan diet in older adults, particularly regarding muscle mass and protein synthesis, which are critical for maintaining health and function in this population. Understanding these impacts can guide dietary recommendations.