Meat or vegetables — does the battle over what’s on our plates make any sense at all?

Aim of the study: There is growing evidence that substituting animal-based with plant-based foods is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and all-cause mortality. Our aim was to summarize and evaluate the evidence for the substitution of any animal-based foods with plant-based foods on cardiometabolic health and all-cause mortality in a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Results: In total, 37 publications based on 24 cohorts were included. There was moderate CoE for a lower risk of CVD when substituting processed meat with nuts [SHR (95% CI): 0.73 (0.59, 0.91), n = 8 cohorts], legumes [0.77 (0.68, 0.87), n = 8], and whole grains [0.64 (0.54, 0.75), n = 7], as well as eggs with nuts [0.83 (0.78, 0.89), n = 8] and butter with olive oil [0.96 (0.95, 0.98), n = 3]. Furthermore, we found moderate CoE for an inverse association with T2D incidence when substituting red meat with whole grains/cereals [0.90 (0.84, 0.96), n = 6] and red meat or processed meat with nuts [0.92 (0.90, 0.94), n = 6 or 0.78 (0.69, 0.88), n = 6], as well as for replacing poultry with whole grains [0.87 (0.83, 0.90), n = 2] and eggs with nuts or whole grains [0.82 (0.79, 0.86), n = 2 or 0.79 (0.76, 0.83), n = 2].

Aim of the study: As the global population ages, it is critical to identify diets that, beyond preventing noncommunicable diseases, optimally promote healthy aging.

Results: The odds ratios for the highest quintile versus the lowest ranged from 1.45 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.35-1.57; healthful plant-based diet) to 1.86 (95% CI = 1.71-2.01; Alternative Healthy Eating Index). When the age threshold for healthy aging was shifted to 75 years, the Alternative Healthy Eating Index diet showed the strongest association with healthy aging, with an odds ratio of 2.24 (95% CI = 2.01-2.50). Higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, legumes and low-fat dairy products were linked to greater odds of healthy aging, whereas higher intakes of trans fats, sodium, sugary beverages and red or processed meats (or both) were inversely associated. Our findings suggest that dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods, with moderate inclusion of healthy animal-based foods, may enhance overall healthy aging, guiding future dietary guidelines.

Aim of the study: Despite the rising popularity of plant-based alternative meats, there is limited evidence of the health effects of these products. We aimed to compare the effect of consuming plant-based alternative meat (Plant) as opposed to animal meat (Animal) on health factors. The primary outcome was fasting serum trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO).

Results: The 36 participants who provided complete data for both crossover phases included 67% women, were 69% Caucasian, had a mean ± SD age 50 ± 14 y, and BMI 28 ± 5 kg/m2. Mean ± SD servings per day were not different by intervention sequence: 2.5 ± 0.6 compared with 2.6 ± 0.7 for Plant and Animal, respectively (P = 0.76). Mean ± SEM TMAO concentrations were significantly lower overall for Plant (2.7 ± 0.3) than for Animal (4.7 ± 0.9) (P = 0.012), but a significant order effect was observed (P = 0.023). TMAO concentrations were significantly lower for Plant among the n = 18 who received Plant second (2.9 ± 0.4 compared with 6.4 ± 1.5, Plant compared with Animal, P = 0.007), but not for the n = 18 who received Plant first (2.5 ± 0.4 compared with 3.0 ± 0.6, Plant compared with Animal, P = 0.23). Exploratory analyses of the microbiome failed to reveal possible responder compared with nonresponder factors.

Aim of the study: With the consumption of protein consumption increasing globally, there are gaps in our understanding of the differences in protein sources, particularly between animal and plant proteins and their recommendations for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This narrative review synthesizes current evidence of how animal and plant proteins differentially exert physiological effects, influence IBD risk, and outcomes.

Results: Second, observational data showed possible associations between higher intake of animal protein and risk of Ulcerative Colitis (UC); however, this association is less consistent with Crohn's Disease (CD). High intake of meat, specifically red meat, is also associated with a greater risk for a UC relapse. Third, specific animal proteins are utilized as part of efficacious strategies for the induction and maintenance of CD. In conclusion, the available data suggest that recommendations for the IBD patient should move beyond animal versus plant protein advice but consider individual protein sources and the wider dietary pattern.

Aim of the study: Plant-based diets have gained increasing attention in the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet concerns persist regarding the quality of plant-derived proteins. Traditionally, animal-based proteins have been regarded as high biological value proteins, while plant proteins have been labeled as low biological value, contributing to misconceptions about their nutritional adequacy.

Results: In this narrative review, we challenge these assumptions by presenting emerging evidence on the nutritional quality of plant proteins, strategies to enhance their amino acid profiles, and their relevance in the context of CKD. Furthermore, we discuss the health effects of plant versus animal proteins on kidney function, muscle mass, and gut microbiota. Alternative protein sources such as edible insects and mushrooms are also examined for their potential nutritional and environmental contributions. Our findings highlight that well-planned, plant-predominant diets can meet protein and amino acid needs across all stages of CKD without compromising muscle or metabolic health.