Effectiveness of a Per-Meal Protein Prescription and Nutrition Education with versus without Diet Coaching on Dietary Protein Intake and Muscle Health in Middle-Aged Women

Abstract

Sufficient dietary protein intake is vital to maintaining muscle health with aging. Yet protein intake among adults is often inadequate. This study’s main objective was to examine the impact of nutrition education (NE) and a per-meal protein prescription (PRx) with versus without diet coaching on protein intake. A secondary objective examined its effects on muscle health. Participants included 53 women, age 45–64 years. All participants received NE and PRx; those randomized to coached-group received 10-weeks of diet coaching. Assessments included: protein intake at baseline, weeks 4 and 12 and muscle health (muscle mass, grip strength, five-chair rise test, 4 mgait speed test). The Chi-square test examined percentages of participants meeting PRx between groups. Repeated measures analysis of variance assessed within group and intervention effects on protein intake and muscle health parameters. Protein intake (g/kg body weight) increased (p < 0.001): not-coached (n = 28) 0.8 ± 0.2 to 1.2 ± 0.3 and coached (n = 25) 1.0 ± 0.2 to 1.4 ± 0.3 with no significant difference between groups. A greater percentage of coached-group participants met (p = 0.04) breakfast (72%) and met (p < 0.001) three-meal (76%) PRx versus not-coached participants (25% and 53%, respectively). Participants in both groups exhibited significantly (p < 0.001) improved times for the five-chair rise test and 4 mgait speed test. Diet coaching in conjunction with a PRx and NE should be considered to assist individuals in improving protein intake through self-selection of protein-rich foods.

The impact of a pilot telehealth coaching intervention to improve caregiver stress and well-being and to increase dietary protein intake of caregivers and their family members with dementia – Interrupted by COVID-19

“…The use of diet coaching, with the provision of a protein prescription and nutrition education, has not been previously studied with FCGs and has not been previously conducted using computer/ipad-based video teleconferencing. Diet coaching to improve protein intakes, however, has been employed in two other studies with the coaching conducted via telephone along with some in person participant contacts (Gropper et al, 2020; Jackson et al, 2022). The findings from the present study were consistent with the findings of the two previous studies which demonstrated that diet coaching significantly improved dietary protein intake in middle- and older-aged adults (Gropper et al, 2020; Jackson et al, 2022) as well as improved muscle strength and function in middle-aged adults (Jackson et al, 2022).…”

“…Diet coaching to improve protein intakes, however, has been employed in two other studies with the coaching conducted via telephone along with some in person participant contacts (Gropper et al, 2020; Jackson et al, 2022). The findings from the present study were consistent with the findings of the two previous studies which demonstrated that diet coaching significantly improved dietary protein intake in middle- and older-aged adults (Gropper et al, 2020; Jackson et al, 2022) as well as improved muscle strength and function in middle-aged adults (Jackson et al, 2022). Coaching has also been used successfully to assist adults in improving dietary behaviors to reduce risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes and heart disease (Olsen & Nesbitt, 2010; Schneider et al, 2016; Vincent & Sanchez Birkhead, 2013).…”

Nurse-led coaching to improve dietary protein intake and reduce the risk of sarcopenia in middle-aged women

“…The quantitative aspect of this mixed methods design was a true experimental pretest posttest design; these quantitative study findings which evaluated per-meal dietary changes and their impact on muscle health (mass, strength and function) have been reported in their entirety elsewhere. [27] Important to note, only the quantitative findings related to overall change in protein intake during the study period are presented in this manuscript to examine the effectiveness of coaching; the qualitative component of the study which explored how coaching led to successful dietary behavior change (i.e. increasing protein intake) in the participants randomized to the treatment (coached) group is showcased herein.…”

“…Anthropometric indices, body composition, and muscle findings are reported elsewhere. [27] Information on nutrient intakes was determined from three (1 weekend day and 2 weekdays) 24-hour dietary recalls collected at baseline and the end of the study. The recalls were obtained using standardized multiple-pass methodology and analyzed for protein intake by a registered dietitian/nutritionist (RDN, and part of the research team) using diet analysis software (Food Processor, ESHA, Salem, OR).…”

“…The recalls were obtained using standardized multiple-pass methodology and analyzed for protein intake by a registered dietitian/nutritionist (RDN, and part of the research team) using diet analysis software (Food Processor, ESHA, Salem, OR). Detailed meal-associated protein intake and other nutrient findings are reported elsewhere; [27] total protein intake at baseline and the end of the study are reported as part of this investigation serving to specifically show the impact which diet coaching had on those coached on a weekly basis.…”