Beschreibung:
<jats:sec><jats:title>Scope</jats:title><jats:p>A long‐term vegan diet carries the risk of insufficient protein and micronutrient intake for older adults. However, even a short‐term (48 h) vegan diet exerts positive metabolic effects in younger adults. In this study, we investigate the feasibility and effects of a short‐term vegan challenge on metabolic and inflammatory markers in older adults.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Method and results</jats:title><jats:p>In this randomized controlled crossover‐study, 30 healthy older adults (≥65 years) are assigned to either a 48 h ad libitum vegan or omnivorous diet. During the vegan diet, participants exhibit lower protein (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic> = 0.001) and fat intake as well as higher carbohydrate and dietary fiber intake, resulting in a lower caloric intake (all <jats:italic>p</jats:italic> < 0.001). Insulin concentrations (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic> = 0.042) and insulin resistance (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic> = 0.036) decline only after the vegan diet. The study observes reductions in serum glucose (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic> < 0.001), triglyceride (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic> = 0.005), and hsCRP (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic> = 0.044) concentrations and weight (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic> < 0.001), independent of the diet. Participants with low‐grade inflammation exhibit notable metabolic improvements after the vegan diet.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion</jats:title><jats:p>Improvements in insulin homeostasis are observed after the vegan diet, but meeting protein requirements are not feasible during the short‐term vegan challenge despite dietary counseling, which warrants concern.</jats:p></jats:sec>