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

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, 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.