This site is intended for UK healthcare professionals
Medscape UK Univadis Logo
Medscape UK Univadis Logo
News

Older UK adults are not consuming enough protein

According to a new study published in the journal Geriatrics, more than half of the older adults in the UK may not be consuming enough protein to meet the national recommendations. Evidence has shown that protein consumption, particularly in combination with exercise, helps to decelerate the loss of muscle mass and strength associated with ageing.

Researchers at the University of Sheffield assessed the diets of 256 adults aged 65-89 years residing in the South Yorkshire area, using two existing data sets which had comprehensive dietary information of the study population.

The findings showed that <50 per cent of participants met the current UK recommendations of consuming 0.75 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. International organisations recommend an even higher amount of protein intake for older adults (1.2 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day). However, <15 per cent of the participants met this age-specific recommendation. Furthermore, only one participant from the study population was consuming 25-30 g of protein in each of the three daily meals, which was required to stimulate muscle protein synthesis.

Dr Elizabeth Williams, one of the study authors, said: "We know the national guidelines do not necessarily reflect the increased requirements older adults have to maintain their muscle mass, so a useful strategy for people of mid-to-older age is to include a source of protein with every meal."


References


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE