Protein Intake and Muscle Function in Older Adults
Research snapshot:
2015 review study finds older adults need higher protein intake for better muscle function.
2015 |
Review |
Protein |
Muscle function |
Overview.
The study concludes that older adults require higher protein intake than the current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) to maintain muscle mass and function, and that the timing and distribution of protein consumption are crucial.
Background.
A team of researchers associated with the Sealy Center on Aging, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, conducted this study, which was published in the journal 'Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care'.
Objectives.
The study aimed to update the understanding of protein intake's role in the development and treatment of sarcopenia in older adults. It sought to identify the optimal protein intake levels, the importance of protein timing and distribution, and the association between protein intake and functional outcomes in older adults.
Study design.
The study involved a review of recent advances in nutrition research, including data from large cohort studies and clinical trials. It examined the protein intake patterns and their effects on muscle protein synthesis and muscle mass in older adults.
Results.
The study found that the RDA of 0.8 g/kg BW/day is inadequate for older adults and that higher intakes (1.0-1.2 g/kg BW/day) are necessary to prevent muscle loss and maintain function. It also highlighted that 25-30 grams of high-quality protein per meal is necessary to maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis. The distribution of protein throughout the day, rather than just the total amount, was shown to be important for maintaining muscle mass and function.
Conclusions.
The researchers concluded that sarcopenia is a significant clinical problem in older adults, and that increasing protein intake above the current RDA can help manage it. They emphasized the need for large, long-term, randomized clinical trials to fully understand the long-term benefits of higher protein intake on muscle health and overall health in older adults.
Original paper.
Deer RR, Volpi E. Protein Intake and Muscle Function in Older Adults. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2015 May; 18(3): 248–253. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000162
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