Whether kids get protein from meat or plants, both types help reduce overall calorie intake, but animal protein seems to have a bigger impact on reducing carbs and fats
Scientific Claim
Both animal and plant protein sources were significantly associated with reduced energy intake in preschool children, though animal protein showed stronger effects on fat and carbohydrate intake
Source Excerpt
“Both animal and plant protein (% of MJ) was significantly associated with intakes of combined fat and carbohydrate (MJ) (L = -0.33 and -0.14, respectively), total energy (MJ) (L = -0.14 and -0.12, respectively), total carbohydrate (MJ) (L = -0.35 and -0.11, respectively), total fat (MJ) (L = -0.29 and -0.18, respectively), protein energy (MJ) (L = 0.86 and -0.05, respectively), and energy density (MJ/kg) (L = -0.50 and -0.07, respectively)”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting Studies
Evidence for the protein leverage hypothesis in preschool children prone to obesity.
The study conducted sensitivity analyses showing both animal and plant protein sources were associated with reduced energy intake, though animal protein showed stronger inverse relationships with fat and carbohydrate intake.