Khaberni - Despite the increasing calls to adopt a vegetarian diet as a healthier option in recent years, a recent scientific study conducted by researchers from Fudan University in China has revealed a different aspect; it found that older adults who consume meat in moderation may have higher chances of achieving healthy aging compared to those who adhere to a strict vegetarian diet.
According to the study, published in the npj Aging journal by the Nature group in April 2025, completely abstaining from meat is not suitable for all age groups, especially those over sixty, as their nutritional needs differ from what they were in earlier stages of life, making dietary diversity more beneficial in the long run.
The researchers relied on data from the "Chinese Survey of Healthy Longevity," which included about 2900 healthy elderly people, where they classified their diets into four patterns:
1 - Fully vegetarian (abstaining from all animal products including dairy, eggs, and fish).
2- Vegetarians who consume eggs.
3- 'Pescatarian vegetarians' (vegetarians who consume fish and seafood).
4- Consumers of both meat and plants together.
During a follow-up period of six years, the researchers observed that those who maintained a balanced diet combining both plant-based and animal foods from the age of sixty were more likely to achieve healthy aging compared to those who adhered to a strict vegetarian diet.
According to the analysis, moderate meat-eaters were less likely to suffer from chronic diseases and physical or cognitive impairments after reaching their eighties. In contrast, the results showed that following a strict vegetarian diet was associated with higher risks of muscle mass loss and bone frailty, due to protein deficiency and the lack of essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
The researchers explained that natural physiological changes with advancing age, such as reduced nutrient absorption and decreased digestive system efficiency, make adhering to a strict vegetarian diet potentially more harmful than beneficial at this stage.
However, the study did not advocate excessive meat consumption, but emphasized the importance of moderation and balance, moving away from processed meats, and focusing on healthy proteins such as fish, eggs, and legumes.
The researchers concluded their study with a recommendation for the "necessity of consulting a doctor or dietary specialist to design a diet that meets the body’s needs as one ages, and to enhance the chances of living a longer, healthier life."
