Overview

• A study published in PLoS ONE analyzed dietary logs from 193 New Zealand vegans, revealing widespread deficiencies in essential amino acids lysine and leucine.
• Only about half of participants met lysine and leucine requirements; digestibility adjustments dropped adequacy rates to 43.5% and 56%, respectively.
• Researchers emphasize that plant proteins generally contain lower levels of digestible essential amino acids compared to animal proteins.
• Experts recommend combining diverse plant-based protein sources, prioritizing legumes over grains, to improve amino acid intake.
• Amino acid deficiencies can lead to muscle loss and impaired physiological functions, underscoring the importance of dietary quality in vegan populations.