Inadequate Protein Intake at Specific Meals Is Associated with Higher Risk of Impaired Functionality in Middle to Older Aged Mexican Adults

Abstract

Purpose. To describe the proportions of inadequate protein intake (IPI) per day and per meal and their association with functionality in middle to older aged Mexican adults. Materials and Methods. In a cross-sectional design, we evaluated the protein intake and functionality of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and activities of daily living (ADL) of 190 middle to older aged Mexican adults. IPI was considered as any protein intake: <1.2 g/kg/day, <30 g/meal, or <0.4 g/kg/meal. Functionality was organized into three groups: high, middle, and low scores. The first was set as the reference, and the other was considered as impaired functionality. With a multinomial logistic regression, we analyzed the association between IPI per day and per meal with impaired functionality. Results. A high proportion of participants showed IPI per day. The meal with the highest proportion of IPI was dinner, followed by breakfast and lunch for both criteria. IPI at lunch was a significant risk factor for impaired functionality in ADL when assessed with the 30 g/meal criterion (low scores, OR 3.82 (95% CI, 1.15–12.65); middle scores, OR 2.40 [1.03–5.62]). For the 0.4 g/kg/meal criterion, IPI at dinner was a significant risk factor for IADL middle scores only (OR 7.64, [1.27–45.85]). Conclusion. IPI per meal is high in middle to older aged Mexican adults, and at specific meals, it is a significant risk factor for impaired functionality in activities of daily living.

The Consumption of Two or Three Meals per Day with Adequate Protein Content Is Associated with Lower Risk of Physical Disability in Mexican Adults Aged 60 Years and Older

“…We previously published data about subjects participating in the same project [37]. However, it is essential to highlight the differences between our earlier published work and the current study.…”

“…This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the Western General Hospital (Hospital General de Occidente) in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. It is part of a series of articles from the same project [37]. We evaluated Mexican older adults that attended the Geriatrics Department as part of their routine medical screening or for their initial assessment from January to July 2017.…”

“…In addition to daily protein intake, protein distribution, and per meal content have gained interest as other factors to consider [34,35]. Some studies have investigated if protein intake per meal at certain doses is related to muscle mass and functionality in older adults [36][37][38]. They found that the consumption of two or more meals with ≥30 g of protein each is significantly associated with higher leg muscle mass and leg strength [36], and <30 g of protein at specific meals is associated with lower functionality [37].…”

“…Some studies have investigated if protein intake per meal at certain doses is related to muscle mass and functionality in older adults [36][37][38]. They found that the consumption of two or more meals with ≥30 g of protein each is significantly associated with higher leg muscle mass and leg strength [36], and <30 g of protein at specific meals is associated with lower functionality [37]. Nonetheless, these results have not been consistent [38].…”

Dietary Protein Intake Patterns and Inadequate Protein Intake in Older Adults from Four Countries

“…The studies supporting the importance of protein distribution in older adults suggest that the consumption of 30 g of protein per meal or 0.4 g/kg per meal are associated with a higher skeletal muscle mass and strength and maximally stimulates muscle protein synthesis, respectively [ 15 , 16 ]. In this regard, some studies suggested that inadequate protein intake (<30 g/meal or <0.4 g/kg/meal) at specific meals might be a risk factor to consider as it is associated to a lower skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and functionality [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. On the other hand, the number of meals that reach a protein content ≥30 g/meal or ≥0.4 g/kg/meal appears to be a protective factor as they are associated with a higher skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and lower physical disability [ 15 , 20 , 21 ].…”