Cutting Back on Vegetable Protein Tied to Unhealthy Aging

A study in the American Journal of Medicine suggests older adults who reduce consumption of vegetable protein may be more likely to experience age-related health problems, reports Reuters Health . Researchers analyzed data on 1,951 people 60 and up on functional impairments, reduced vitality, mental health issues, and chronic medical problems or use of health services. Participants provided this data in three intervals, from 2008-2010, in 2012, and in 2017. Participants generally derived an average 12 percent of their calories from animal protein, and about 6 percent from vegetable protein. In comparison with people who lowered vegetable protein consumption by more than 2 percent between the first wave and 2012, those who increased their intake by more than 2 percent experienced fewer deficits associated with unhealthy aging. "Since substitution of plant protein for animal protein has been associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, it is relevant to understand which source of protein may be more beneficial for a healthy aging," said the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid's Esther Lopez-Garcia.