Animal Protein Intake Is Inversely Associated With Mortality in Older Adults: The InCHIANTI Study - 2022

In general, plant protein intake was inversely associated with mortality in studies in middle-aged adults. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term associations of animal and plant protein intake with mortality in older adults.

During the 20 years of follow-up (mean: 12 years), 811 deaths occurred (292 of cardiovascular- and 151 of cancer-related causes). Animal protein intake was inversely associated with all-cause (hazard ratio [HR] per 1% of total energy from protein increase, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96, 0.93–0.99) and cardiovascular mortality (HR per 1% of total energy from protein increase, 95% CI: 0.93, 0.87–0.98). Plant protein intake showed no association with any of the mortality outcomes, but an interaction with baseline hypertension was found for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (p < .05).

Animal protein was inversely associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in older adults. Further studies are needed to provide recommendations on dietary protein intake for older adults.

Full Paper: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glab334