Shifting to Plant-Based Protein Diets Alters Nutrient Adequacy Across Age Groups: A Dutch Dietary Modeling Study.

Background

Shifting toward more plant-based diets is promoted for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. However, the nutritional consequences of reducing animal-based foods, particularly across age groups with specific dietary needs, remain insufficiently understood.

Methods

In this simulation study, we used dietary intake data from 3570 participants in the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (2019-2021) to evaluate how replacing animal-based foods with plant-based alternatives affects the intake of protein, essential amino acids (EAAs), vitamins, and minerals across different age groups. Two substitution scenarios were modeled: a nutritionally conscious and a less conscious plant-based dietary pattern.

Results

Total protein intake decreased in both scenarios, with the strongest reductions observed in elderly individuals (71-79 years). Vitamin intake, particularly B vitamins and vitamin A, declined in most age groups, and vitamin D remained chronically low. Mineral intake also decreased, notably for calcium, iron, iodine, selenium, and zinc, especially among women and adolescents.

Conclusions

These results underscore the importance of dietary planning and targeted fortification when promoting plant-based eating patterns. Future research should refine bioavailability estimates and evaluate the long-term health effects of such dietary transitions across life stages.