Protein and Leucine Intake at Main Meals in Elderly People with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background: The recommended protein intake for the elderly is 25–30 g at main meals, with at least 2500–2800 mg of leucine at each meal. There is still little evidence regarding the amount and distribution of protein and leucine intake with meals in the elderly with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated protein and leucine intake at each meal in elderly patients with T2D. Methods: A total of 138 patients (91 men and 47 women) with T2D, aged 65 years or older, were included. Participants performed three 24-h dietary recalls for the evaluation of their dietary habits and protein and leucine intake at meals. Results: The average protein intake was 0.9 ± 0.2 g/kg body weight/day, and only 23% of patients complied with the recommendations. The average protein intake was 6.9 g at breakfast, 29 g at lunch, and 21 g at dinner. None of the patients reached the recommended protein intake at breakfast; 59% of patients complied with the recommendations at lunch; and 32% at dinner. The average leucine intake was 579 mg at breakfast, 2195 g at lunch, and 1583 mg at dinner. The recommended leucine intake was not reached by any patient at breakfast, by 29% of patients at lunch, and by 13% at dinner. Conclusions: Our data show that, in elderly patients with T2D, the average protein intake is low, particularly at breakfast and dinner, and that leucine intake is remarkably lower than the recommended levels. These data raise the need to implement nutritional strategies capable of increasing protein and leucine intake in the elderly with T2D.

Leucine Supplementation Improves Diastolic Function in HFpEF by HDAC4 Inhibition

“…Since HFpEF is a highly clinically relevant disease, it is important to point out how leucine supplementation has been evaluated as a translational treatment. Leucine supplementation has long been used as a therapeutic option, mostly for skeletal muscle [57][58][59][60]. In discussions about the optimal dose response, difficulties in measuring the intended outcomes and timing of leucine supplementation are among the barriers that have slowed down its application in the clinical setting [57][58][59][60][61].…”

“…Leucine supplementation has long been used as a therapeutic option, mostly for skeletal muscle [57][58][59][60]. In discussions about the optimal dose response, difficulties in measuring the intended outcomes and timing of leucine supplementation are among the barriers that have slowed down its application in the clinical setting [57][58][59][60][61]. On the other hand, leucine supplementation can be a feasible strategy for treating patients with HFpEF because it is regularly consumed by individuals to increase muscle mass and improve exercise performance.…”