The Anabolic Properties of a Vegan Diet Later in Life

Summary

Consumers are increasingly encouraged to consume more plant-based foods and lower their consumption of foods from animal origin. Plant-based foods, however, generally contain protein of both lower quantity and quality when compared to foods of animal-origin. Adequate consumption of high quality dietary protein is particularly important at an older age, as the age-related loss of skeletal muscle typically seen later in life is a major public health concern. Considering the ageing population, it is therefore important to assess the consequences of such a transition towards plant-based diets on skeletal muscle of older individuals. This PhD thesis provides a series of studies, including three human intervention trials, that together describe the anabolic properties of a fully plant-based, i.e. vegan, diet in adults aged 65 years and older.