New Study: Meat Eaters Live to 100 More Often than Vegetarians.

According to ТСН: A new major study has raised doubts about the benefits of vegetarianism for longevity. Scientists have discovered that people who consume meat are much more likely to reach 100 years old than those who stick to a plant-based diet.

Research Results on Longevity of Vegetarians and Meat Eaters

According to a large study conducted in China, meat eaters celebrate their centennial anniversaries more often than those who only consume plant foods.

Even accounting for physical activity and smoking, participants who did not eat meat had a 19% lower chance of becoming centenarians compared to meat eaters.

The greatest difference was observed among vegans: their probability of reaching 100 years was 29% lower. Vegetarians who consume dairy products and eggs also had worse odds - 14% compared to meat eaters.

A reduced likelihood of reaching the century mark was also noted among pescatarians, who allow fish consumption.

Researchers believe these differences may be related to the increased nutritional needs of older adults, which may not be met by vegetarian diets.

"Our research suggests that for adults aged 80 years and older, a diet that includes both plant and animal products may better support longevity to 100 years than a strict vegetarian dietary model, especially for individuals with insufficient body weight," emphasized lead author of the study, Dr. Xiang Gao from Fudan University.

Study Details

The study included 5,203 individuals from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, all of whom were over 80 years old at the start of observations in 1998. Among them, 1,495 individuals lived to 100 years, while 3,744 died earlier.

Researchers analyzed the medical data of participants to assess how nutrition affects lifespan. Those who consumed meat throughout this period had higher chances of becoming centenarians.

The authors also stress that the results do not indicate the necessity of switching to an exclusively meat-based diet.

Among individual products, regular consumption of vegetables had the most significant positive impact on the likelihood of living to 100 years. People who ate vegetables daily had an 84% higher chance of reaching the century mark compared to those who did not.

What Have Scientists Discovered About the Impact of Diet on Longevity?

Researchers noted that the influence of diet on longevity varied depending on the health and physical characteristics of older adults.

Vegetarians with a normal body mass index (BMI) for their age had no worse chances of living to 100 than meat eaters. Among individuals with excess weight, the diet also did not show a statistically significant impact on survival.

In contrast, for participants with insufficient body weight, daily meat consumption was associated with a 44% higher chance of reaching 100 years.

"A balanced omnivorous diet that combines animal and plant products may better support longevity among the oldest individuals with insufficient body weight," noted Dr. Gao and his colleagues in the article published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

While reducing meat consumption has certain health benefits, these advantages may be offset by the risk of nutrient deficiencies in certain older adults.

Previous studies have also linked vegetarian diets to an increased risk of stroke, gallstones, and depression.

Scientists note that despite the cardiovascular benefits of plant-based diets, the prevalence of low body mass index among people over 80 makes excessive meat restriction potentially dangerous.

"Our results emphasize the importance of a balanced diet that includes both animal and plant products for healthy longevity. Further studies among very old individuals are necessary to develop dietary recommendations for this growing population in the context of an aging society," concluded the study authors.

It is also worth noting that giving up meat can have positive health effects by aiding in toxin elimination, gut cleansing, and reducing cholesterol levels and the risk of type 2 diabetes. A plant-based diet often promotes lightness, helps combat visceral fat, and reduces inflammatory processes. However, experts warn that reckless vegetarianism without medical consultation may lead to deficiencies in iodine, iron, vitamins D and B12, so transitioning to a new diet should be carefully planned.