Lacto-vegetarians can obtain branched-chain amino acids from specific plant and dairy sources
the verdict
INSUFFICIENT LEANING
refutedsupported
the weight of evidence
4 sources for · 0 against
Retrieved literature discusses vegetarian dietary patterns and protein adequacy, but does not fully establish specific plant and dairy sources for branched-chain amino acids for lacto-vegetarians.
Health authorities increasingly recommend a more plant-based diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains and nuts, low in red meat and moderate in dairy, eggs, poultry and fish which will be beneficial for both health and the environment. A systematic review of observational and intervention studies published between 2000 and January 2020 was conducted to assess nutrient intake and status in adult populations consuming plant-based diets (mainly vegetarian and vegan) with that of meat-eaters. Mean intake of nutrients were calculated and benchmarked to dietary reference values. For micronutrient status, mean concentrations of biomarkers were calculated and compared across diet groups. A total of 141 studies were included, mostly from Europe, South/East Asia, and North America. Protein intake was lower in people following plant-based diets compared to meat-eaters, but well within recommended intake levels. While fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), folate, vitamin C, E and magnesium intake was higher, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake was lower in vegetarians and vegans as compared to meat-eaters. Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density. Meat-eaters were at risk of inadequate intakes of fiber, PUFA, α-linolenic acid (ALA), folate, vitamin D, E, calcium and magnesium. There were nutrient inadequacies across all dietary patterns, including vegan, vegetarian and meat-based diets. As plant-based diets are generally better for health and the environment, public health strategies should facilitate the transition to a balanced diet with more diverse nutrient-dense plant foods through consumer education, food fortification and possibly supplementation.
Scientific studies reported that most vegetarians meet the total protein requirements; however, little is known about their amino acid intakes. We aimed to assess dietary intake and serum amino acid levels in relation to bone metabolism markers in prepubertal children on vegetarian and traditional diets. Data from 51 vegetarian and 25 omnivorous children aged 4-9 years were analyzed. Dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients were assessed using the nutritional program Dieta 5<sup>®</sup>. Serum amino acid analysis was performed using high-pressure liquid chromatography technique, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathormone-electrochemiluminescent immunoassay, and bone metabolism markers, albumin, and prealbumin levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Vegetarian children had a significantly lower intake of protein and amino acids with median differences of about 30-50% compared to omnivores. Concentrations of four amino acids (valine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine) in serum varied significantly by diet groups and were lower by 10-15% in vegetarians than meat-eaters. Vegetarian children also had lower (<i>p</i> < 0.001) serum albumin levels compared to omnivores. Among bone markers, they had higher (<i>p</i> < 0.05) levels of C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CTX-I) than omnivores. Correlation patterns between amino acids and bone metabolism markers differed in the vegetarian and omnivore groups. Out of bone markers, especially osteoprotegerin was positively correlated with several amino acids, such as tryptophan, alanine, aspartate, glutamine, and serine, and ornithine in vegetarians. Vegetarian children consumed apparently sufficient but lower protein and amino acids compared to omnivores. In circulation these differences were less marked than in the diet. Significantly lower amino acid intake and serum levels of valine, lysine, leucine, and isoleucine as well as the observed correlations between serum amino acids and biochemical bone marker levels indicated the relations between diet, protein quality, and bone metabolism.
Frontiers | Branched-chain amino acids from plants and the metabolic syndrome: pathways and pharmacological applications
#### Nutrition and Metabolism
Published inFrontiers in Nutrition 5.5 impact factor9.6 citescore
Part of a Research TopicDietary Inflammation, Metabolic Syndrome, and Cardiometabolic Health: Mechanisms, Inflammaging, and Translational Insights48k views29 articles
## REVIEW article
Front. Nutr., 05 May 2026
Sec. Nutrition and Metabolism
Volume 13 - 2026 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1805807
# Branched-chain amino acids from plants and the metabolic syndrome: pathways and pharmacological applications
GS
Gui-yan Sun 1,2
XL
Xin Liu 1
YM
Yi-xi Ma 1
YS
Yan Shi 1*
- SWSong-nan Wang 1†
- YLYu-xi Liu 1†
- YSYue Sun 1
- SNShun-yu Ning 1,3*
1. Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China
2. The Second Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China
3. The Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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## Abstract
Background:
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects approximately 1.54 billio
Everything we examined (4)
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