Barriers to and Facilitators of the Consumption of Animal-Based Protein-Rich Foods in Older Adults: Re-Analysis with a Focus on Sustainability

Abstract

Older adults may gain health benefits from the consumption of animal-based protein-rich foods, but environmental pressures suggest advocating some meat and dairy foods over others, and understanding the barriers and facilitators for consuming these different foods would be of value. Existing data on the barriers to and facilitators of the consumption of meat and dairy products were re-analysed for differing effects for white, red, and processed meat consumption and for yoghurt, soft cheese, and hard cheese consumption. White meat consumption was associated with fewer concerns over spoilage and waste and stronger perceptions that meat is convenient (smallest Beta = 0.135, p = 0.01), while red and processed meat consumption were positively associated with liking /taste, appearance, and convenience (smallest Beta = 0.117, p = 0.03). Yoghurt and soft cheese consumption were positively associated with liking/taste and medical concerns, and fewer concerns over ability and habit (smallest Beta = −0.111, p = 0.05), while hard cheese consumption was only associated with liking/taste (Beta = 0.153, p = 0.01). Taken together, these data suggest that enhancing or promoting the enjoyment, taste, visual appeal, and ease-of-consumption of the more sustainable meat and dairy options may be of value in encouraging the consumption of these foods in older adults.

Is There a Convergence between the Food Classification Adopted by Food-Based Dietary Guidelines and Food Science and Technology?

“…From a nutritional point of view, foods from animals are a source of proteins of high biological value as they provide all the essential amino acids. In addition, they are sources of complex B vitamins and lipids [83,96,97,[100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107]. Proteins are macronutrients and a central part of the human diet, chemically consisting of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen.…”

“…Proteins act in the constitution of any cell, are part of the composition of the body's immune system antibodies, and actively participate in numerous metabolic processes and other body functions. Gluconeogenic amino acids are converted into glucose to provide energy [35,84,100,[108][109][110].…”