KneeT-vegan study

A vegan diet may offer health benefits, but it is unclear whether it also supports muscle and bone health. Previous research shows that protein-rich foods stimulate protein synthesis in muscles, which is essential for healthy tissue and repair. Protein from plant-based foods may be unable to stimulate protein synthesis due to a suboptimal essential amino acid content and a lower digestibility. However, a more optimal amino acid profile may be achieved by increasing portions sizes and blending multiple plant-based sources. Studies investigating the anabolic properties of vegan diets (total elimination of animal-based foods) rather than single plant-based foods in older adults are scarce. It remains unknown if a vegan diet can also affect protein synthesis rates in other musculoskeletal tissues than muscle.

Therefore, the KneeT-vegan study will assess the effects of a 2-week preoperative vegan diet in comparison to an omnivorous diet on protein synthesis rates of multiple musculoskeletal tissues in older adults with knee osteoarthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty. A trial will be conducted with 40 participants who will receive either a vegan diet or an omnivorous diet.