The role of dietary plant and animal protein intakes on mitigating sarcopenia risk

Purpose of review To highlight contemporary findings comparing the digestibility of animal and plant proteins, their stimulatory effects on muscle protein synthesis, and associations with sarcopenia. Recent findings Animal proteins are more digestible than plant proteins, resulting in greater amino acid availability and stimulation of muscle protein synthesis. However, isolated plant proteins, plant protein blends, and modified plant proteins enriched with indispensable amino acids can elicit comparable digestion and absorption kinetics to animal proteins. More research is needed to determine whether these modified plant protein sources can effectively mitigate sarcopenia risk. Summary Both animal and plant protein foods can be incorporated into a healthful eating plan that limits risk of age-related diseases, such as sarcopenia. Humans eat food rather than isolated nutrients; as such, considering the context of the overall diet and its impact on health, instead of solely focusing on individual nutrients in isolation, is important.

Automated summary

This review examines the digestibility of animal and plant proteins, their effects on muscle protein synthesis, and their association with sarcopenia. Animal proteins are more digestible and stimulate muscle protein synthesis more effectively. However, modified plant proteins can have comparable digestion and absorption kinetics. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these modified plant protein sources in reducing the risk of sarcopenia.