Plant proteins: are they a good alternative to animal proteins in older people?

Lina Toutirais; Carole Vaysse; Marine Gueugneau; Stephane Walrand

doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000001026

Plant proteins: are they a good alternative to animal proteins in older people?

Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2024 Mar 4. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000001026. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Lina Toutirais^{1

2}, Carole Vaysse¹, Marine Gueugneau², Stephane Walrand^{2

3}

Affiliations

¹ ITERG, Department of Nutritional Health and Lipid Biochemistry, Bordeaux.
² Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH Clermont Ferrand, France.
³ Department of Clinical Nutrition, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France.

PMID: 38456815
DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000001026

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review provides the latest insight into the impact of consuming plant-based protein for older people.

Recent findings: According to the latest data, a healthy diet rich in plant-based-protein-rich-food could promote healthy aging. This health effect is partly because of the amino acid composition of proteins, as well as to the important constituents such as fiber and bioactive compounds found in the matrix. Furthermore, even though animal protein is more effective at stimulating muscle protein synthesis, a high consumption of plant protein (beyond 31 g/day) appears to enhance physical performance and reduce the risk of frailty in older individuals.

Summary: Recent literature highlights numerous health benefits for older people associated with a substantial intake of plant-based vs. animal-based protein, both in preventing and mitigating chronic age-related diseases and reducing the risk of all-cause mortality. However, a high intake of plant-based protein-rich products could pose risks of malnutrition and fiber-related intestinal intolerances. Further research is needed to assess the risk-benefit ratio of a high consumption of plant proteins in older individuals before we can make robust recommendations on how far animal proteins can be healthfully replaced with plant proteins.