Study: For Older Adults, Soy & Wheat Protein Can't Compare to Animal Protein

A study from the Physiological Society found that soy and wheat protein derivatives cannot equal animal protein in terms of muscle-building benefits in older adults, reports StudyFinds . The researchers conducted a series of lab trials with volunteers, who were asked to eat both animal and plant proteins on different occasions, after which their muscle health was evaluated. The results indicated that one must consume larger amounts of soy or wheat protein to gain the same muscle-building advantages as a smaller amount of animal sources. This means that if older adults opt to go vegan, it is in their best interests to adjust their protein intake. "This research challenges the broad viewpoint that plant proteins don't help build muscles as much as animal protein by highlighting the potential of alternative plant-based protein sources to maintain the size and quality of aging muscles," said Oliver Witard of King's College London.