A DGA-aligned pulse-protein diet may support iron homeostasis in older adults: an exploratory analysis of the PRODMED1 trial.

Background/objectives: Iron homeostasis is essential for healthy aging, yet whether Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)-aligned diets support iron status in older adults remains unclear, particularly when iron is provided exclusively as non-heme iron. This exploratory secondary analysis of PRODMED1 examined iron-related outcomes, and nutrient-responsive signals involving methionine and FGF21 in older adults consuming DGA-aligned meat- and pulse-protein diets. Methods: In an 18-week randomized crossover controlled-feeding trial, adults aged ≥60 years ( Results: PPD provided iron exclusively as non-heme iron and had lower methionine content than MPD. MPD increased serum methionine, cystine, and homocysteine (all Conclusion: These exploratory findings suggest that a DGA-aligned pulse-protein diet may be compatible with maintained iron homeostasis in older adults despite exclusive non-heme iron intake. Methionine and FGF21 were associated with ferritin, suggesting a potential nutrient-sensing link, alongside established dietary and absorption-related determinants, both of which merit further clinical and mechanistic investigation. These findings also indicate that pulse-based protein sources may offer older adults additional shelf-stable dietary protein options, which is particularly relevant for rural communities with limited year-round access to fresh foods, without compromising iron homeostasis.