Nutrient-dense protein as a primary dietary strategy in healthy ageing: please sir, may we have more?

Abstract

A progressive decrement in muscle mass and muscle function, sarcopoenia, accompanies ageing. The loss of skeletal muscle mass and function is the main feature of sarcopoenia. Preventing the loss of muscle mass is relevant since sarcopoenia can have a significant impact on mobility and the quality of life of older people. Dietary protein and physical activity have an essential role in slowing muscle mass loss and helping to maintain muscle function. However, the current recommendations for daily protein ingestion for older persons appear to be too low and are in need of adjustment. In this review, we discuss the skeletal muscle response to protein ingestion, and review the data examining current dietary protein recommendations in the older subjects. Furthermore, we review the concept of protein quality and the important role that nutrient-dense protein (NDP) sources play in meeting overall nutrient requirements and improving dietary quality. Overall, the current evidence endorses an increase in the daily ingestion of protein with emphasis on the ingestion of NDP choices by older adults.

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults

“…Most of the selected studies in this meta‐analysis (65 out of 74) provided animal protein to their subjects. Therefore, our findings reflect mainly the effect of animal‐based protein sources 11 . Approximately a quarter of the selected studies showed an increased risk of bias due to poor blinding during the study or the data analysis ( Figures S1 and S2).…”

“…Nonetheless, many questions still arise when constructing dietary or physical activity guidelines focusing on skeletal muscle health 10 . Particularly, the optimal daily protein intake level required to optimize skeletal muscle mass gain or maintenance in healthy adults, which is still largely unclear 10–13 . It is also unclear whether additional protein ingestion can preserve lean body mass and muscle function in healthy adults who do not engage in RE 14 …”

“…It appears that ingesting sufficient protein is required to maintain muscle mass 11,15,16 . Recommended protein intakes for healthy adults slightly vary worldwide but are generally in the range of 0.8–0.9 g protein/kg body weight (BW)/day; an intake proposed to maintain nitrogen balance in ~98% of individuals.…”

“…10 Particularly, the optimal daily protein intake level required to optimize skeletal muscle mass gain or maintenance in healthy adults, which is still largely unclear. [10][11][12][13] It is also unclear whether additional protein ingestion can preserve lean body mass and muscle function in healthy adults who do not engage in RE. 14 It appears that ingesting sufficient protein is required to maintain muscle mass.…”

Nutrition Care for Poorly Nourished Outpatients Reduces Resource Use and Lowers Costs

“…9 Overweight individuals, such as those prominent in this study, have excessive caloric intake, but intake may be deficient in certain macronutrients (eg, protein) or micronutrients (eg, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium). [10][11][12][13] Overnutrition can result from poor food choices, limited access to healthy foods, energy imbalance related to low physical activity, and/or to genetic predisposition to certain metabolic abnormalities. 14,15 Overnutrition and obesity are both risk factors for the development of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease.…”