PP356 - LONG-TERM ADHERENCE OF OLDER ADULTS TO VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN DIETS: IMPLICATIONS FOR NUTRIENT AND PROTEIN INTAKES

PP356

LONG-TERM ADHERENCE OF OLDER ADULTS TO VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN DIETS: IMPLICATIONS FOR NUTRIENT AND PROTEIN INTAKES

S. Wildemast^1,2,*, S. Verlaan¹, P. Grootswagers²

¹Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, ²Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands

Rationale: Plant-based diets are linked to health benefits, but may challenge adequate nutrient intake in older adults. This study analyzed nutrient intake, particularly protein, in Dutch older adults with long-term adherence to vegetarian or vegan diets.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, dietary intake was assessed using 3-day food records and compared with a Dutch reference group. Protein quality was evaluated using the Protein Adequacy and Quality Score (PAQS) and Meal Protein Quality Score (MPQS).

Results: The study included 20 vegetarians and 6 vegans aged 76 (72-80) years. Median dietary adherence was 42 years for vegetarians, and 10 years for vegans, preceded by 31 years of vegetarian diet. Compared with omnivores, vegans had lower protein and energy intakes and a higher proportion of energy from carbohydrates and fat. Vegetarians had similar energy intake to omnivores, but a lower proportion of energy from protein and carbohydrates and a higher proportion from fat. Both plant-based diets provided adequate fiber intake, and higher than in the omnivorous diet. Protein intake below the RDA occurred in 83% of vegans, 40% of vegetarians, and 25% of omnivores. Foods contributing to protein intake were dairy products for vegetarians and dairy replacers for vegans, combined with gluten- and soy-based products. Protein quality was inadequate over the day (PAQS <1) in most vegans (100%) and vegetarians (83.3%). Inadequate protein quality per meal (MPQS <100) was observed across all meals, except dinner in vegetarians. Both plant-based diets failed to meet recommended intakes for calcium, zinc, vitamin B12 and vitamin D, as well as iron and folate in vegans.

Conclusion: Long-term vegetarian and vegan diets in older adults were associated with inadequate nutrient intake and insufficient protein adequacy and quality, especially in vegans.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared