Depression, inflammation may be higher with plant-based meat alternative intake

Plant-based meat alternative consumption could be linked to depression and inflammatory biomarkers.

In a study published in Food Frontiers, investigators examined the health outcomes of 3,342 vegetarians who consumed or didn’t consume plant-based meat alternative products.

Those who did consume plant-based meat alternatives had a higher likelihood of experiencing depression. Further, those in the plant-based meat alternative group had elevated levels of C-reactive protein and triglycerides as well as lower levels of apolipoprotein A and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol — indicating a risk of inflammation. There were no statistically significant differences in sodium, free sugar, total sugar and saturated fatty acid intake between the two groups.

Further research may be required to better illuminate the full risks and benefits of consuming plant-based meat alternatives.

Read more: Food Frontiers

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