Overview

• A PLOS One study found that while 75% of long-term vegans met daily protein needs, only 50% met requirements for lysine and leucine.
• The study used digestibility-adjusted analysis of four-day food diaries from 193 vegans in New Zealand to assess amino acid intake.
• Lysine and leucine were identified as the most limiting essential amino acids due to lower levels in plant-based foods.
• Experts recommend incorporating diverse plant proteins like legumes, nuts, seeds, quinoa, and soy to address amino acid gaps.
• Researchers call for further investigation into strategies to boost lysine and leucine intake in nutritionally balanced vegan diets.