Alexandra Foscolou1, Elena Critselis1, Stefanos Tyrovolas1,2, Christina Chrysohoou3, Nenad Naumovski4,5, Labros S Sidossis1,6, Loukianos Rallidis7, Antonia-Leda Matalas1, Demosthenes Panagiotakos1,5,6. 1. Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 17671 Kallithea, Attica, Greece. 2. Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. 3. First Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece. 4. Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, Australia. 5. Collaborative Research in Bioactives and Biomarkers (CRIBB) Group, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, Australia. 6. Department of Kinesiology and Health, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA. 7. Second Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: 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. DESIGN: 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. SETTING: Athens area and twenty Greek islands. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3349 Greek women and men over 50 years old. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: 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.
OBJECTIVE: 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. DESIGN: 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. SETTING: Athens area and twenty Greek islands. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3349 Greek women and men over 50 years old. RESULTS: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). CONCLUSIONS: 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.