Eliminating Animal Products from the Diet Puts Dutch Older Adults at Risk of Micronutrient Deficiencies: A Simulation Study

Abstract

Background

Transitioning to more sustainable eating habits with less animal-based protein affects not only protein intake but also micronutrient consumption. Given that older adults are already vulnerable to insufficient micronutrient amounts, such dietary changes could further heighten their risk of deficiencies.

Objectives

We simulated how switching toward a more sustainable eating pattern influenced micronutrient intake in older adults.

Methods

Data from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2019–2021 (community-dwelling older adults, n = 607, food intake based on 2-d food diary) were used to simulate 2 flexitarian (40% and 80% meat/fish replacement), pescetarian, vegetarian, and vegan diets. and compared with the estimated average requirement (EAR) or adequate intake based on the Dutch dietary reference values. Nutrient intake was deemed low if >10% of participants fell below the EAR or if the median was below the adequate intake.

Results

In the reference diet, actual micronutrient intake among Dutch older adults was generally adequate, except for riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, and calcium. Vitamin A and selenium were low in females only. In the simulated flexitarian 40% scenario, no additional nutrients were considered low. In the flexitarian 80%, pescetarian, and vegetarian scenarios, niacin in all, and vitamin A and thiamin in males became low. In the vegan scenario, nearly all micronutrient intakes were low.

Conclusions

Reducing or eliminating animal-based protein sources from the diets of older adults elevates their risk of micronutrient deficiencies.