Mixed
Adherence to a healthful plant-based diet (high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and vegetable oils) is associated with a significantly lower risk of frailty in older women, whereas adherence to an unhealthful plant-based diet (high in refined grains, potatoes, sugar-sweetened beverages, and sweets) is associated with a higher risk.
To reduce the risk of frailty as you age, focus on the quality of your plant-based foods. Prioritize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and vegetable oils. Limit refined grains, potatoes, sugary drinks, and sweets. You do not need animal products to maintain muscle and bone health; a well-planned diet rich in these healthy plant foods is associated with a significantly lower risk of frailty.
In the multivariable analysis, the hPDI was inversely associated with the risk of frailty (hazard ratio [HR] for the highest vs. lowest quintile: 0.77, 95% confidence interval: 0.72–0.81; P trend <0.001). Conversely, a direct association was found between the uPDI and risk of frailty (HR highest vs. lowest quintile: 1.24 [1.17, 1.32], P trend <0.001).
Why this rating
Large prospective cohort (NHS, n=82,234), long follow-up (24 years), rigorous adjustment for confounders, but observational design prevents causal inference.
Source
Association between the quality of plant‐based diets and risk of frailty
Mercedes Sotos‐Prieto et al. · Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle · 2022
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