Associations between national plant-based vs animal-based protein supplies and age-specific mortality in human populations.

ABSTRACT: Transitions to sustainable food systems require shifts in food production and availability, particularly the replacement of animal-based protein with plant-based protein. To explore how this transition may relate to demographic patterns, we undertake an ecological analysis of global associations between age-specific mortality, total national macronutrient distributions, and protein substitution. Our dataset includes per capita daily food supply and demographic data for 101 countries from 1961-2018. After adjusting for time, population size, and economic factors, we find associations between low total protein supplies and higher mortality rates across all age groups. Early-life survivorship improves with higher animal-based protein and fat supplies, while later-life survival improves with i

SUBMITTER: Andrews CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11986065 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature