Do Plant Proteins Extend Lifespan?

The Sabri Ülker Foundation, since its establishment in 2009, continues its work with the objective of contributing to the development of food, nutrition and healthy lifestyle awareness, and communicating the most accurate, current and scientific information on these matters to society. To address the information confusion particularly occurring in the health and nutrition field, the Foundation shares current health and nutrition topics with the public through "Science is Talking About It" (Bilim Bunu Konuşuyor), Turkey's first scientific digital information platform in the healthy living and nutrition field, using scientific and most up-to-date information in an unbiased manner and understandable language. The Foundation, on the "Science is Talking About It" platform this time, opens up for discussion the consumption of proteins from plant and animal sources. The role of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in adequate and balanced nutrition and their daily requirements are well-known subjects. However, the effects of different types of carbohydrates, fats and proteins on health and consumption amounts continue to be discussed. A recent study evaluating the impact of animal and plant protein intake on life span brings the question "How much animal and plant protein sources should be consumed" back to the agenda while at the same time bringing along discussions. So, what do nutrition and health authorities recommend regarding the consumption of proteins from plant and animal sources?

What Do the Research Results Say?

In a study in which more than 46,000 men and over 85,000 women with an average age of 49 were followed for 32 years; the dietary consumption frequencies of individuals were queried once every four years to determine their animal and plant protein consumption, and their medical information was also examined in addition to lifestyle. As a result, it was found that individuals' contribution of animal protein intake to daily total energy was 14% (9%-22%). In the study, it was observed that individuals with high animal protein intake had an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. However, it is also stated that in these individuals there was at least one lifestyle factor that could lead to cardiovascular disease, such as smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle. In individuals without any of the lifestyle factors creating risk in terms of cardiovascular disease, no relationship was found between high animal protein intake and life span. In the study, it was found that individuals' contribution of plant protein intake to daily total energy was 4% (2%-6%), individuals with high plant protein consumption simultaneously adopted a healthy lifestyle and consequently had a lower risk of death. It also emerged as another finding of the study that reducing 3% of the energy from animal protein to be met from plant proteins could reduce the risk of death from all causes.