• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.1-18
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• 2022

This study aimed to investigate the association between plant protein intake and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Korean individuals aged 50 years or older. Using the 2016-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, 7,956 participants (3,434 men and 4,522 women) were included in the study. HRQoL was measured using the Euro-quality of life five-dimension (EQ5D), composed of physical function, self-care, daily activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression problems. The EQ5D estimates were converted into an EQ5D index score. The association between daily intake of plant proteins and HRQoL was evaluated using regression analysis. The intake of total plant protein, legume nut seed (LNS), and fermented bean (FERMB) proteins were all positively associated with HRQoL in both men and women (p < 0.01). Of EQ5D's five dimensions, physical function and daily activities were most commonly associated with plant protein intake. Compared to LNS protein or FERMB protein intake, total plant protein intake showed a better association with HRQoL. In conclusion, a significant association was observed between plant protein intake and HRQoL. It suggests that adequate intake of plant protein might be helpful for the maintenance or improvement of HRQoL in Korean adults.