Samenvatting

BACKGROUND: Existing research shows that a high consumption of animal products contributes to climate change. To not further exhaust natural resources, a diet containing more plant-based foods is necessary. The problem with plant-based foods is their protein quality. This review aims to study of the effect of a more plant-based diet on cardiometabolic disorders and muscle health in overweight older adults, compared to a diet containing more animal products. METHODS: PubMed was systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT’s) with a minimal intervention duration of 4 weeks all through November and December 2021. Only publications in older adults (mean age >55, mean BMI of >25 kg/m2 and/or waist circumference >88 cm) were included. Used variables were determined using existing research. Guidelines from the Nordic Council and the Health Council of the Netherlands were followed to asses the risk of bias and present and to synthesize and present results. RESULTS: The PubMed search yielded out 101 found publications, of which 28 were eventually included in this review. 7 out of 22 publications reported a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol after consuming a more plant-based diet, compared to a diet containing animal products. 3 out of 9 publications reported a significant decrease in HbA1c after consuming a more plant-based diet, compared to a diet containing more animal products. 3 out of 12 publications reported a significant decrease in C-reactive protein after consuming a more plant-based diet, compared to a diet containing more animal products. 6 out of 11 publications reported a significant decrease in waist circumference after consuming a more plant-based diet, compared to a diet containing more animal products. For the other variables, sufficient evidence was either unlikely or lacking. CONCLUSION: Consuming a more plant-based diet could possibly have a positive effect on blood lipid profile, HbA1c, C-reactive protein and waist circumference in older overweight adults, compared to consuming a diet containing more animal products. The effect of a more plant-based diet on fasting insulin, fasting glucose and HOMA-IR is unlikely. The effect of a more plant-based diet on blood pressure remains inconclusive. Research on muscle health is insufficient.