Influences of vegan status on protein intake, lean body mass, and strength in lightly active, young women: A...

Plant-based diets are rising in popularity due to their health and environmental benefits. Vegan diets are a strict plant-based diet plan that excludes all animal foods, and reports suggest that a considerable portion of habitual vegans do not consume the daily recommended amount of protein.

This study utilized a cross-sectional study design to examine functional and structural markers of protein status (e.g., lean body mass and muscle strength) in healthy, lightly active women who habitually consumed a vegan (>1 y) or omnivore diet. Participants were matched by age, weight, and body mass index. Participants completed health and diet questionnaires and a physical activity assessment. Lean body mass was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Dynamometer testing was used to measure hand grip and leg strength. Inferential statistics and correlational analyses were used to examine differences between diet groups.

Protein intakes and lean body mass were significantly lower for the vegan participants compared to those eating meat (-44% and -8%, respectively). Although hand grip strength was similar between diet groups, several indicators of leg strength were 14% to 15% lower in the vegan group compared to the omnivore group (P < 0.05). Correlates of strength varied by diet group: several strength markers were significantly correlated to lean mass in the vegan diet group, whereas strength and dietary protein were correlated in the omnivore diet group.

These data suggest that functional indicators of body protein status may be adversely impacted by long-term adherence to vegan diets in young adult women.