Effects of a Short-Term Vegan Challenge in Older Adults on Metabolic and Inflammatory Parameters-A Randomized Controlled Crossover Study.

Kristina Franz, Ursula Müller-Werdan, Catrin Herpich, Anja Bosy-Westphal, Kristina Norman, Kora Schulze, Lary Döschner, Lea Göger, Nele Krüger

Journal: Molecular nutrition & food research 2024;68(4):e2300623

PMID: 38185769

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Abstract

SCOPE

A long-term vegan diet carries the risk of insufficient protein and micronutrient intake for older adults. However, even a short-term (48 h) vegan diet exerts positive metabolic effects in younger adults. In this study, we investigate the feasibility and effects of a short-term vegan challenge on metabolic and inflammatory markers in older adults.

METHOD AND RESULTS

In this randomized controlled crossover-study, 30 healthy older adults (≥65 years) are assigned to either a 48 h ad libitum vegan or omnivorous diet. During the vegan diet, participants exhibit lower protein (p = 0.001) and fat intake as well as higher carbohydrate and dietary fiber intake, resulting in a lower caloric intake (all p < 0.001). Insulin concentrations (p = 0.042) and insulin resistance (p = 0.036) decline only after the vegan diet. The study observes reductions in serum glucose (p < 0.001), triglyceride (p = 0.005), and hsCRP (p = 0.044) concentrations and weight (p < 0.001), independent of the diet. Participants with low-grade inflammation exhibit notable metabolic improvements after the vegan diet.

CONCLUSION

Improvements in insulin homeostasis are observed after the vegan diet, but meeting protein requirements are not feasible during the short-term vegan challenge despite dietary counseling, which warrants concern.

Address: Department of Geriatrics and Medical Gerontology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany.; Department of Nutrition and Gerontology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany.; Institute for Human Nutrition and Food Science, Christian-Albrechts-University, 24098, Kiel, Germany.; Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany.; Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125, Berlin, Germany.; Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany.; Max Delbrück Center, 13125, Berlin, Germany.; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, 10785, Berlin, Germany.; Department of Geriatrics and Medical Gerontology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany.; Evangelisches Geriatriezentrum Berlin gGmbH, 13347, Berlin, Germany.; Department of Geriatrics and Medical Gerontology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany.; Department of Nutrition and Gerontology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany.; Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany.; Department of Geriatrics and Medical Gerontology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany.; Department of Nutrition and Gerontology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany.; Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany.; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, 10785, Berlin, Germany.

DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300623

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Aged, Diet, Vegan, Vegans, Cross-Over Studies, Diet, Insulins