Plant Protein Consumption Research Articles

Life expectancy and agricultural environmental impacts in Addis Ababa can be improved through optimized plant and animal protein consumption.

In Ethiopia, children and adults face a double burden of malnutrition, with undernutrition and stunting coexisting with non-communicable diseases. Here we use a framework of comparative risk assessment, local dietary surveys and relative risks from large observational studies to quantify the health and environmental impacts of meeting adult and child recommended daily protein intakes in urban Addis Ababa. We find that plant-based foods, especially legumes, would have the lowest environmental impact and substantially increase life expectancy in adults, while animal-source proteins could be beneficial for children. This context-specific approach-accounting for regional constraints and trade-offs-could aid policymakers in developing culturally appropriate, nutritionally adequate and sustainable dietary recommendations.

Genome-wide association study identified candidate genes for seed size and seed composition improvement in M. truncatula

Grain legumes are highly valuable plant species, as they produce seeds with high protein content. Increasing seed protein production and improving seed nutritional quality represent an agronomical challenge in order to promote plant protein consumption of a growing population. In this study, we used the genetic diversity, naturally present in Medicago truncatula, a model plant for legumes, to identify genes/loci regulating seed traits. Indeed, using sequencing data of 162 accessions from the Medicago HAPMAP collection, we performed genome-wide association study for 32 seed traits related to seed size and seed composition such as seed protein content/concentration, sulfur content/concentration. Using different GWAS and postGWAS methods, we identified 79 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) as regulating seed size, 41 QTNs for seed composition related to nitrogen (i.e. storage protein) and sulfur (i.e. sulfur-containing amino acid) concentrations/contents. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation between seed size and protein content was revealed within the selected Medicago HAPMAP collection. In addition, several QTNs showed highly significant associations in different seed phenotypes for further functional validation studies, including one near an RNA-Binding Domain protein, which represents a valuable candidate as central regulator determining both seed size and composition. Finally, our findings in M. truncatula represent valuable resources to be exploitable in many legume crop species such as pea, common bean, and soybean due to its high synteny, which enable rapid transfer of these results into breeding programs and eventually help the improvement of legume grain production.

The effect of increasing intakes of plant protein on the protein quality of Canadian diets.

The 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey was used to investigate the protein content and protein quality of the diets consumed by adults (≥19 years) when plant protein is increased. Individuals (n = 6498) were allocated to quartiles of increasing proportions of protein from plant foods (Quartile1: 0-24.9%; Quartile2: 25%-49.9%; Quartile3: 50-74.9%; Quartile4: 75-100%). The Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of diets were estimated using indispensable amino acid concentrations of foods and an assumed digestibility coefficient of 0.8. Corrected protein intakes were determined by aggregating foods consumed over 24 hours and as the sum of corrected protein consumed at eating events within six 4-hour time intervals. Most individuals (51%) consumed 25-49.9% of protein from plant foods. Cereal-based foods represented the majority of plant protein consumed. PDCAAS of diets remained ≥0.87 for quartiles1-3, but decreased (p < 0.0001) to 0.71 ± 0.018 in quartile4 vs. quartile2 (0.96 ± 0.004). Corrected protein intakes in quartile2 (80.66 ± 1.21 g/day; 1.07 ± 0.03 g protein/kg body weight) decreased to 37.13 ± 1.88 g/day (0.54 ± 0.03 g/kg body weight) in quartile4 (p < 0.0001). Aggregated daily corrected protein intake strongly correlated (r = 0.99; p < 0.001) with the sum of corrected protein consumed within time intervals. Intra-time interval analysis revealed that the relative proportions of animal and plant proteins changed at eating events over 24 hours and did not reflect the allocation to quartiles based on the daily proportion of plant protein consumption. Various tools should be explored and developed to assist Canadians in effectively incorporating plant protein foods into dietary patterns. Novelty: Corrected protein intakes decreased as plant protein consumption increased. PDCAAS was ≥0.87 for diets with ≤74.9% plant protein.

Plant and animal protein consumption, cardiometabolic risk and healthy aging: Attica and medis epidemiological studies

Background and Aims: The aim of the present work was to investigate the differential association between plant-based as opposed to animal-based protein rich diets upon healthy aging.

Protein consumption in Canadian habitual diets: usual intake, inadequacy, and the contribution of animal- and plant-based foods to nutrient intakes.

The 2019 Canada's Food Guide (CFG) emphasizes consumption of plant protein with implications for protein adequacy and nutrient intakes, yet a baseline with which to compare future dietary trends that may result from its adoption is not available. The objectives were to assess usual protein intake, inadequacy, and the contribution of animal- and plant-based foods to intake of protein, nutrients, and energy in Canada. Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey - Nutrition were used to assess dietary intake among adults (n = 13 616). The National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate usual protein intake and inadequacy. Population ratios were used to determine the contribution of animal- and plant-based foods to intake of protein, nutrients, and energy. Usual protein intake averaged 79.47 ± 0.70 g/d; inadequacy was highest for females ≥71 y (9.76 ± 2.04%). Top protein contributors were red and processed meat (21.6 ± 0.55%), poultry and eggs (20.1 ± 0.81%), cereals, grains, and breads (19.5 ± 0.31%), and dairy (16.7 ± 0.38%). Dairy contributed most to calcium (53.4 ± 0.61%), vitamin D (38.7 ± 1.01%), but also saturated fat (40.6 ± 0.69%), whereas cereals, grains, and breads contributed most to iron (46.5 ± 0.57%) and vegetables and fruit to potassium (32 ± 0.45%). Given that animal sources contributed overwhelmingly to protein intake in 2015, dietary shifts towards plant protein needed to meet the 2019 CFG recommendations may pose a challenge, particularly for populations most at risk of inadequacy. Novelty: Older adults and females are most at risk of not meeting protein recommendations. Animal sources contribute two-thirds of the protein consumed by Canadian adults.

A prospective study on total protein, plant protein and animal protein in relation to the risk of incident chronic kidney disease

BackgroundThe link between dietary protein intake and the risk of kidney dysfunction is always a challenging issue. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between total protein, plant protein, and animal protein intake with the risk of incident chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsThis study was performed on 1639 adults aged ≥27 years who participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Dietary data were evaluated using a valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Total protein content, plant protein, and animal protein of each participant were calculated. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60 mL / min / 1.73 m2 has been considered as the definition of CKD. Odds Ratio (OR) was calculated using logistic regression to show the association between the risk of incident CKD and dietary exposures.ResultsAfter adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, total energy intake, total fiber intake, dietary fat, physical activity, diabetes, and hypertension, there was no significant association of total protein and animal protein consumptions with the incidence of CKD. After adjustment for confounders, compared with the lowest tertile of plant protein consumption, OR of incident CKD in the highest tertile was 0.29 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.15 to 0.55) with a significant trend (P for trend < 0.001).ConclusionThe results of this study confirmed an inverse association between plant protein intake and the risk of incident CKD, which demonstrates the protective role of plant-based protein in a diet on kidney function.

Effect of School Nutrition Education Program on Nutritional Practices

Gerakan Nusantara is a nutrition education program that aims to change the nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices of elementary school children in Indonesia. The program was implemented in 2015–2018 in Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Makassar, Medan, Yogyakarta, Pontianak, East Nusa Tenggara, Pekanbaru, Padang, Jambi, and Sorong. The present study sought to determine the effects of Gerakan Nusantara on the nutrition practices of school-aged children and describe the extent of changes in each nutrition practice component covered by the program. This study used secondary data on Nutrition and Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices studies collected from students participating in the program and involved 6132 school children. The seven nutrition practice components studied were consumption of staple foods, plant protein, animal protein, vegetables, and fruits; milk drinking; and exercise. Significant improvements in fruit consumption and exercise were noted in 2015; all variables improved in 2016; significant changes in the consumption of staple food and plant protein and exercise were recorded in 2017; and significant improvements in the consumption of vegetables, plant protein, and animal protein and milk drinking were noted in 2018. Significant differences in nutrition practices before and after program implementation were noted in each year. Overall, the results demonstrated that Gerakan Nusantara successfully improved the nutrition practices of elementary school children.

Association of dietary acid load with serum bicarbonate in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Diet can affect the acid-base status depending on the balance between the intake of acid-inducing foods and base-inducing foods. The purpose of this study was to estimate the dietary acid load and evaluate its association with serum bicarbonate in patients with stages 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease. One hundred adults (aged ≥ 20 years) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 and 4 were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. A food diary was used to estimate the animal and plant protein intakes, which were used in the potential renal acid load (PRAL) formula described by Remer and Manz. PRAL was divided into quartiles. Regression models unadjusted and adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, diabetes, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, creatinine clearance were performed using the stepwise regression method. The median level (25th, 75th percentiles) of PRAL was 8.3 mEq/day (1.6, 15.6). The highest quartile of PRAL had a higher consumption of animal protein (77.8 ± 10.9%) and a reduced consumption of plant protein (22.2 ± 10.9%), compared to the lowest quartile (59.5 ± 18.6% animal protein, 40.5 ± 18.6% plant protein), p for trend <0.0001. In the adjusted analysis, a significant association was observed between the highest quartile of PRAL and serum bicarbonate in CKD patients compared to the lowest quartile (β: 2.07, 95% CI: 0.21-3.92). According to the multiple linear regression, for each increase of 1 unit of PRAL there was a reduction of 0.25 mmol/L in serum bicarbonate (HCO3). Using the stepwise method, animal protein intake and PRAL were determinants of HCO3 (r = 0.49). In CKD patients of stages 3 and 4, the dietary acid load was associated with HCO3. Limiting dietary acid load could be a complementary approach in the dietary treatment of CKD. In addition, studies are needed to analyze the effect of replacing animal protein with plant protein.

Growth of beef cattle as prediction for meat production: A review

Growth of beef cattle as prediction for meat production: A review

Socio-Cultural and Economic Drivers of Plant and Animal Protein Consumption in Malaysia: The SCRiPT Study.

Countries in South East Asia are undergoing a nutrition transition, which typically involves a dietary shift from plant to animal proteins. To explore the main drivers of protein consumption, the SCRiPT (Socio Cultural Research in Protein Transition) study recruited a population sample in Malaysia (N = 1604). Participants completed in-person 24 h dietary recalls and socio-demographic surveys. Energy and nutrient intakes were estimated using Nutritionist Pro. A novel recipe-based frequency count coded protein sources as meat (chicken, beef, pork, and mutton), fish, eggs, dairy, and plants (cereals, pulses, tubers). Dietary intakes and frequencies were examined by gender, age, income, education, ethnicity, religion, and family status, using ANOVAs and general linear models. Energy intakes were 1869 kcal/d for men and 1699 kcal/d for women. Protein intakes were 78.5 g/d for men and 72.5 g/d for women. Higher energy and protein intakes were associated with Chinese ethnicity, higher education and incomes. Frequency counts identified plant proteins in 50% of foods, followed by meat (19%), fish (12%), eggs (12%), and dairy (7%). Most frequent source of meat was chicken (16%) rather than pork or beef (1.5% each). In bivariate analyses, animal protein counts were associated with younger age, higher education and incomes. In mutually adjusted multivariate regression models, animal proteins were associated with education and ethnicity; plant proteins were associated with ethnicity and religion. Protein choices in Malaysia involve socio-cultural as well as economic variables.

The association of animal and plant protein with successful ageing: a combined analysis of MEDIS and ATTICA epidemiological studies.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the differences between the consumption of plant-based v. animal-based protein-rich diets on successful ageing, as well as to identify the optimal combination of dietary protein intake for facilitating successful ageing in people aged >50 years. A combined analysis was conducted in older adults of the ATTICA and MEDIS population-based cross-sectional studies. Anthropometrical, clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle parameters, dietary habits and level of protein intake were derived through standard procedures. Successful ageing was evaluated using the validated Successful Aging Index (SAI) composed of ten health-related social, lifestyle and clinical characteristics. Athens area and twenty Greek islands. A total of 3349 Greek women and men over 50 years old. Participants with high consumption of plant proteins were more likely to be male, physically active, with higher daily energy intake, higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and higher level of SAI (P < 0·001). Participants with 'Low animal & High plant' and 'High animal & High plant' protein consumption had a 6 and 7 % higher SAI score, respectively, compared with the other participants (P < 0·001). In contrast, 'Low animal & Low plant' and 'High animal & Low plant' protein intake was negatively associated with SAI as compared to the combination of all other consumption categories (P < 0·02). The consumption of a plant-based protein-rich diet seems to be a beneficial nutritional choice that should be promoted and encouraged to older people since it may benefit both individual's health and prolong successful ageing.

Effects of plant protein and animal protein on lipid profile, body weight and body mass index on patients with hypercholesterolemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

We conducted a meta-analysis on the effect of plant protein or animal protein on body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI) and blood lipid profiles in patients with hypercholesterolemia. We used subject and free words to search PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. The risk-of-bias evaluation tool was used to assess literature quality. Data merging and statistical analyses were carried out using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 13.0. All indicators were expressed as the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The heterogeneity test was conducted according to I2 and Q tests. We used Egger's test to evaluate publication bias quantitatively. This was a meta-analysis of intervention trials. Thirty-two studies (1562 patients) were included. The quality of the included studies was acceptable. Compared with consumption of animal protein, plant protein reduced total cholesterol (TC) (MD = - 0.19mmol/L, 95% CI - 0.26, - 0.12), triglyceride (MD = - 0.07mmol/L, 95% CI - 0.13, - 0.02), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (MD = - 0.19mmol/L, 95% CI - 0.26, - 0.13), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = - 0.05mmol/L, 95% CI - 0.09, - 0.01), TC/LDL-C ratio (MD = - 0.17, 95% CI - 0.32, - 0.02) and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (MD = - 0.20, 95% CI - 0.33, - 0.06) significantly and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (MD = 0.03mmol/L, 95% CI 0.01, 0.06) levels, but had no effect on BW (MD = - 0.41kg, 95% CI - 2.14, 1.33) or BMI (MD = 0.11kg/m2, 95% CI - 0.51, 0.73). Compared with animal protein, consumption of plant protein could improve lipid profile in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Transitioning European Protein-Rich Food Consumption and Production towards More Sustainable Patterns—Strategies and Policy Suggestions

Global and European diets have shifted towards greater consumption of animal proteins. Recent studies urge reversals of these trends and call for a rapid transition towards adoption of more plant-based diets. This paper explored mechanisms to increase the production and consumption of plant-proteins in Europe by 2030, using participatory backcasting. We identified pathways to the future (strategies), as well as interim milestones, barriers, opportunities and actions, with key European stakeholders in the agri-food chain. Results show that four strategies could be implemented to achieve the desired future: increased research and development, enriched consumer education and awareness, improved and connected supply and value chains and public policy supports. Actions needed to reach milestones were required immediately, reinforcing the need for urgent actions to tackle the protein challenge. This study concretely detailed how idealized dietary futures can be achieved in a real-world context. It can support EU protein transition by informing policy makers and the broader public on potential ways to move towards a more sustainable plant-based future. The outputs of this analysis have the potential to be combined with dietary scenarios to develop more temporally explicit models of future dietary changes and how to reach them.

Dietary Protein Consumption and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: ADose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies

The relationship between dietary protein consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis was to explore the relations between dietary protein consumption and the risk of T2D. We conducted systematic retrieval of prospective studies in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Summary relative risks were compiled with a fixed effects model or a random effects model, and a restricted cubic spline regression model and generalized least squares analysis were used to evaluate the diet–T2D incidence relationship. T2D risk increased with increasing consumption of total protein and animal protein, red meat, processed meat, milk, and eggs, respectively, while plant protein and yogurt had an inverse relationship. A non-linear association with the risk for T2D was found for the consumption of plant protein, processed meat, milk, yogurt, and soy. This meta-analysis suggests that substitution of plant protein and yogurt for animal protein, especially red meat and processed meat, can reduce the risk for T2D.

Processing of Amaranthus hypochondriacus Biomass for Functional Protein Concentrates Development

Most proteins for human consumption are animal-derivated sources; however, due to its environmental impact (soil erosion, gas emissions, water footprint) and increasing demand, different plant-based sources are necessary. The purpose of this work is to use amaranth crop biomass for protein concentrates production. The effect of processing (extraction and drying) on the structure and some functional properties of biomass protein concentrates are evaluated for food applications. Thermal and acid precipitation was used for extraction of soluble proteins and lyophilization, vacuum convection, and spray-drying methods for protein concentrates production. Protein structure analyses were gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), isoelectric point (zeta potential), spectrometry (FTIR), calorimetry (DSC), and amino acids profile. The functionality was evaluated by solubility (UV-VIS), rheological and emulsifying properties at different pH values. The most preserved protein structure was the precipitated by acidification and dried by spraying, which showed the highest solubility values (&amp;gt; 90 %), and desired rheological properties. Lyophilization enhanced the emulsifying activity (~95 %) and stability to gravity (~63 %) and heat (~79 %). The essential amino acids content (49 %) was higher than FAO recommendations for children (36 %), and protein composition was in agreement with the Codex Alimentarius for plant protein consumption. This research approaches the use of highly available biomass from amaranth crop as a sustainable source of proteins. Mostly protein isolation uses expensive technologies, which increases the final product cost. Herein, a simple method was adequate to obtain high nutritional quality, and food functionality protein concentrates for food-related applications.

Early medieval diet in childhood and adulthood and its reflection in the dental health of a Central European population (Mikulčice, 9th–10th centuries, Czech Republic)

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to provide a detailed view of dental health in relationship to the diet of the Great Moravian population, with emphasis on childhood diet. DesignWe studied skeletal samples of the early medieval population of the Mikulčice agglomeration (Czech Republic) originating from the cemetery of the church VI (91 adults). Stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen (intra-individual sampling - tooth and bone) was performed on this material, and dental characteristics (carious lesions, intensity of caries (I-CE), dental wear, linear enamel hypoplasia) evaluated. ResultsIsotopic signals obtained from tooth and bone samples of the same individuals differ significantly. Tooth samples show higher δ13C and lower δ15N than bone samples. δ15N in tooth and bone samples is related to socio-economic status. We discovered a relationship between isotopic signals from tooth or bone and intensity of caries and dental wear. ConclusionWe provide the first direct information about the diet of the juvenile part of the Great Moravian population from Mikulčice. The diet of children differed from the diet of adults. Children consumed more millet and less animal protein than adults. The social stratification of this population was obvious in dietary composition from childhood. Elites consumed more animal proteins than non-elite individuals. Tooth decay was related to relative consumption of plant and animal proteins. Greater dental wear is related to a diet based on C3 plants. There was no significant connection between diet composition and the formation of enamel hypoplasia.

Plant- and animal-protein diets in relation to sociodemographic drivers, quality, and cost: findings from the Seattle Obesity Study

Promoting plant-based proteins is at the forefront of many initiatives in public health nutrition. The aim of this study was to characterize the sociodemographic drivers of plant-based protein diet consumption, and to study these in relation to diet quality and cost. The Seattle Obesity Study series (SOS I and II) yielded the study sample (n=1636). Sociodemographic data were obtained by survey self-report. Diet quality and cost came from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Food-Frequency Questionnaire linked to retail food prices. The Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) served as measures of diet quality. Linear regressions with robust standard errors examined associations. Total proteins contributed 16.8% of daily dietary energy. The breakdown by animal and plant proteins was 10.9% and 5.9%, respectively. The sociodemographic factors associated with plant-protein consumption were a positive attitude towards healthy eating and higher education but not income. Plant-protein diets were characterized by severalfold increases in nuts and seeds, soy and legumes, but much less meat, poultry, dairy, solid fats, and added sugars. Higher quartiles of plant-based diets were associated with significantly higher HEI-2010 (β: 13.0 from quartile 1 to quartile 4; 95% CI: 11.8, 14.3) and higher MAR (β: 6.0; 95% CI: 3.5, 8.5) with minimal impact on diet costs (β: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.67). In contrast, higher quartiles of animal-protein diets were associated with higher diet costs (β: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.36) but lower HEI-2010 (β: -3.2; 95% CI: -4.5, -1.9). Each additional 3% of energy from plant proteins was associated with an 8.4-unit increase in HEI-2010 (95% CI: 7.6, 9.1) and with a 4.1-unit increase in MAR (95% CI: 2.7, 5.5) with a minimal increase in diet cost (β: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.50). Plant-based protein diets may be a cost-effective way to improve diet quality at all levels of income. Future research needs to evaluate the quality of plant-based protein in relation to amino acids and health.

Lipid profile is associated with decreased fatigue in individuals with progressive multiple sclerosis following a diet-based intervention: Results from a pilot study.

PurposeTo investigate associations between lipid profiles and fatigue in a cohort of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) patients on a diet-based multimodal intervention.MethodsThis pilot study included 18 progressive MS patients who participated in a prospective longitudinal study of fatigue following a diet-based multimodal intervention that included exercise, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and stress reduction. The diet recommended high intake of vegetables and fruits, encouraged consumption of animal and plant protein and excluded foods with gluten-containing grains, dairy and eggs. Fatigue was measured on the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at baseline and every 3 months for 12 months. A lipid profile consisting of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) was obtained on fasting blood samples at baseline and 12 months.ResultsFSS scores decreased from a baseline of 5.51 (95% CI: 4.86, 6.16) to a mean of 3.03 (95% CI: 2.23, 3.82) at 12 months (p < 0.001). At 12 months, increases in HDL-C (mean change: +6.0 mg/dl; 95% CI: 0.3, 12.0; p = 0.049) and decreases in BMI (mean change: -2.6 kg/m2; 95% CI: -3.6, -2.5; p < 0.001), LDL-C (mean change: -10.4 mg/dl; 95% CI:-19.7, -1.2; p = 0.029), TG (mean change: -29.2 mg/dl; 95% CI: -44.3, -14.2; p = 0.001), TG to HDL-C ratio (mean change: -0.6; 95% CI: -1.0, -0.3; p = 0.002) and TC to HDL-C ratio (mean change:-0.6; 95% CI: -1.0, -0.3; p = 0.003) were observed compared to baseline. Improvements in FSS were associated with increases in HDL-C (β = -0.05; 95% CI: -0.1, -0.0004; p = 0.048) and changes in TC (p = 0.005) from baseline to 12 months.ConclusionsLipid profile variables are associated with improvements in fatigue in progressive MS patients on a diet-based multimodal intervention.

Animal and Plant Protein Usual Intakes Are Not Associated with Mortality in US Adults (P18-037-19)

ObjectivesPrevious findings have linked higher animal protein intake with an increase in overall mortality and increased risk of chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD), in older adults, while some data suggest that plant protein food sources may confer health benefits. The objective of the current analysis was to examine associations between all animal protein and plant protein sources with mortality from all-causes, cancer, and CVD, using data from NHANES III. MethodsData in all adults (19–99 years-old (yrs-old); N = 17,199) and older adults (66–99 yrs-old) was linked with mortality data (Mortality N for 19–99 yrs-old = 4280; Mortality N for 66–99 yrs-old = 505), through 2006. Individual usual intakes for protein intake were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. ResultsHazard ratios (HR) models were fit for mortality types (all cause, cancer, CVD) with measures of protein intake. No associations were seen between animal protein intake and all-cause [HR = 1.01; confidence intervals (CI): 0.99–1.02; P = 0.25], cancer [HR = 1.00; CI: 0.98–1.03; P = 0.78], and CVD [HR = 1.01; CI: 0.99–1.02; P = 0.15] mortality. No associations were seen between plant protein intake and all-cause [HR = 0.99; CI: 0.97–1.01; P = 0.17], cancer [HR = 1.01 CI: 0.97–1.05; P = 0.43], and CVD [HR = 1.00; CI: 0.97–1.02; P = 0.69] mortality. Similarly, no associations were seen between animal protein intake and all-cause mortality [HR = 1.00; CI: 0.98–1.01; P = 0.38], and CVD mortality [HR = 1.00; CI: 0.99–1.02; P = 0.51] in older adults, however, a 3% reduction in cancer mortality was linked to animal protein intake [HR = 0.97; CI: 0.94–1.01; P = 0.025]. No associations were seen between plant protein intake and all-cause [HR = 1.00; CI: 0.98–1.03; P = 0.70], cancer [HR = 1.03; CI: 0.97–1.10; P = 0.22] and CVD mortality [HR = 1.01; CI: 0.97–1.04; P = 0.74] in older adults. ConclusionsThe current results contradict previous findings that have linked animal protein intake to various chronic diseases. Similarly, the current analysis did not link beneficial mortality outcomes with plant protein consumption. A small, but significant beneficial association was seen with animal protein intake in older US adults. Funding SourcesSupported by The Beef Checkoff, through the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Student consumer acceptance of plant-forward burrito bowls in which two-thirds of the meat has been replaced with legumes and vegetables: The Flexitarian Flip™ in university dining venues

Negative health and environmental implications call for a shift from the traditional Western diet to a healthier, more sustainable diet; a suggested method for implementing such a shift is the consumption of more plant protein and less animal protein. This research tested the Flexitarian Flip™ with student consumers (n = 150) in a full meal-sized mixed dish (burrito bowls) in the dining venue context, by partially replacing meat (two-thirds replacement) with legumes and vegetables. Hedonic, satisfaction, and satiation measures were collected for three versions of a burrito bowl recipe: HM Mild (high meat control, with mild salsa), LM Mild (low meat, with mild salsa) and LM Spicy (low meat, with spicy salsa). Overall, the dishes that were lower in meat and higher in vegetables and legumes (LM Mild and LM Spicy) were found to be just as acceptable, satiating, and satisfying as the control meat-centric dish (HM Mild), demonstrating parity in student acceptance of the plant-forward dishes. Five consumer preference segments were identified and characterized using the preferences in this study as well as information collected in an extensive exit survey. Based on the outcome of this work and previous research, a mixture of legumes and vegetables is recommended as a partial replacement for meat in mixed dishes such as burrito bowls, with a trigeminal boost to maintain consumer acceptability and perceived saltiness and flavor complexity. The present study demonstrates that this concept translates to full meal portions. Further testing of the Flexitarian Flip™ is recommended in other recipes and cuisines.