Objectives: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: 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.
Keywords: Dietary protein; Lean body mass, Handgrip, Leg strength; Vegan diet.
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