Based on the protein loss observed, vegans might need about 20% more protein (0.96g/kg/day) to stay balanced.

Scientific Claim

The observed nitrogen losses in minimally active male vegans consuming 0.8 g/kg/d protein suggest that a higher protein intake (approximately 0.96 g/kg/d) may be necessary to achieve nitrogen equilibrium.

Original Statement

“About 12 g of additional protein (incorporating a 74% digestibility factor for vegan diets) is needed to counter the nitrogen losses, equating to a 20% increase in the protein requirement (e.g., 0.96 g/kg/d).”

From study:Nitrogen Balance at the Recommended Dietary Allowance for Protein in Minimally Active Male Vegans

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

probability

Can suggest probability/likelihood

Assessment Explanation

The claim uses 'suggest' and 'may be necessary', which is appropriate for a calculated estimate not directly tested. The study design supports probabilistic language for hypotheses.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Nitrogen Balance at the Recommended Dietary Allowance for Protein in Minimally Active Male Vegans

Cross-Sectional Study

Human

2023 Jul 16

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Nitrogen Balance at the Recommended Dietary Allowance for Protein in Minimally Active Male Vegans

Score: 39

DOI: 10.3390/nu15143159

Similar Assertions

For these vegan men, how long they'd been vegan, their age, muscle mass, or activity level didn't affect whether their bodies were losing protein on this diet.

87%

Vegan men who don't exercise much and have been vegan for a year lose protein when eating the standard protein recommendation for 5 days.

87%

The standard protein recommendation for adults (0.8g/kg/day) isn't enough to keep protein levels stable in men who've been vegan for a year and aren't very active.

86%

When 17 men who've been vegan for at least a year ate a diet with 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for 5 days, their bodies lost protein, as shown by negative nitrogen balance numbers.

85%