People following a vegan diet are more likely to experience muscle wastage compared to those on other diets, new research has shown.
A recent study from Massey University in New Zealand has found that 50% of plant-based eaters do not consume enough vital nutrients, putting them at increased risk of muscle wastage.
Throughout the trial, the team of researchers looked at the health outcomes of nearly 200 people who were following a vegan diet long term.
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They discovered that roughly 50% of the participants were deficient in lysine and leucine – two amino acids that are the ‘building blocks’ of protein.
Found in animal proteins like meat and eggs, these vital nutrients help to build and maintain muscle strength.
Three out of four participants met the recommended dietary plant protein intake, but deficiencies still occurred.
“While the vegans were, on paper, eating enough protein their bodies weren’t digesting sufficient amounts of lysine and leucine,” said the authors.
Experts believe that only small amounts of amino acids from plant foods are absorbed by the body, meaning vegans are getting an insufficient level of amino acid.
Lead author Patricia Soh said: “The results showed some of the potential hazards of going vegan.
Vegan diets are the most restrictive form of plant-based eating, relying entirely on plant sources for all nutrients.
“Prolonged deficiencies in these essential nutrients can negatively affect the body functions, including muscle mass maintenance. These dangers would be heightened among vulnerable vegans, like elderly people.”
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Small amounts of lysine and leucine are found in some plant-based foods, such as peas, beans, seeds and nuts.
Expert nutritionist Professor Tom Sanders has criticised the study. He said: “Some issues included the fact no omnivore group was included in the analysis for comparison.”
Prior research has revealed that vegans are also at risk of a vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency because these nutrients are predominantly found in milk, eggs and oily fish.
A total of 2.5 million people are following vegan diets in the UK – 3.6 per cent of the population, data has shown.
Read the full study in the journal PLOS One.
