scholarly journals Dietary protein requirements and recommendations for healthy older adults – A critical narrative review of the scientific evidence

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-48
Author(s):  
Yusuke Nishimura ◽  
Grith Højfeldt ◽  
Leigh Breen ◽  
Inge Tetens ◽  
Lars Holm

Abstract Adequate protein intake is essential for the maintenance of whole-body protein mass. Different methodological approaches are used to substantiate the evidence for the current protein recommendation, and it is continuously debated whether older adults require more protein to counteract the age-dependent loss of muscle mass, sarcopenia. Thus, the purpose of this critical narrative review is to outline and discuss differences in the approaches and methodologies assessing the protein requirements and hence, resulting in controversies in current protein recommendations for healthy older adults. Through a literature search, this narrative review first summarizes the historical development of the FAO/WHO/UNU setting of protein requirements and recommendations for healthy older adults. Hereafter, we describe the various types of studies (epidemiological studies and protein turnover kinetic measurements) and applied methodological approaches founding the basis and the different recommendations with focus on healthy older adults. Finally, we discuss important factors to be considered in future studies to create evidence for international agreement on protein requirements and recommendations for healthy older adults. We conclude by proposing future directions to determine “true” protein requirement and recommendation for healthy older adults.

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 1684-1691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renate Jonker ◽  
Nicolaas E.P. Deutz ◽  
Annemie M.W.J. Schols ◽  
Eugene A. Veley ◽  
Rajesh Harrykissoon ◽  
...  

2010 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 583-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Murphy ◽  
Benjamin F. Miller

Research measuring whole-body protein turnover (WBPT) after both exercise and nutrition has generally focused on resistance exercise; however, there is a paucity of data regarding the effect of postaerobic exercise nutrition, especially in older adults. It is not known if postexercise protein feeding has a beneficial effect on protein turnover after low- to moderate-intensity exercise. We investigated whether consuming protein plus carbohydrate (PRO) immediately after an acute bout of aerobic exercise has an additive effect over carbohydrate alone (CHO) on WBPT in older individuals. Twelve healthy older adults (age, 59 ± 4 years) were studied on 2 separate occasions after 1 h of exercise at approximately 50% of maximal rate of oxygen uptake, followed by 4 h of recovery. Immediately following exercise, subjects ingested a CHO (60 g) or an isocaloric PRO beverage (40 g carbohydrate, 20 g whey protein). Whole-body protein metabolism was determined using [1-13C]leucine infusion (60 mg prime; 75 mg·h–1 continuous), and sampling blood and expired breath. Rates of whole-body leucine appearance and oxidation, and nonoxidative leucine disposal during the third and fourth hours of postexercise recovery were higher in the PRO group (2.51 ± 0.55, 0.78 ± 0.37, and 1.71 ± 0.44 µmol·kg–1·min–1, respectively) than in the CHO group (1.81 ± 0.27, 0.33 ± 0.14, and 1.47 ± 0.25 µmol·kg–1·min–1, respectively; p = 0.001). Our results indicate that consumption of a PRO beverage after aerobic exercise increased WBPT to a greater extent than a CHO beverage.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2981
Author(s):  
Andrés Pino-Esteban ◽  
Álvaro Megía-García ◽  
David Martín-Caro Álvarez ◽  
Hector Beltran-Alacreu ◽  
Juan Avendaño-Coy ◽  
...  

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive, easy to administer, well-tolerated, and safe technique capable of affecting brain excitability, both at the cortical and cerebellum levels. However, its effectiveness has not been sufficiently assessed in all population segments or clinical applications. This systematic review aimed at compiling and summarizing the currently available scientific evidence about the effect of tDCS on functionality in older adults over 60 years of age. A search of databases was conducted to find randomized clinical trials that applied tDCS versus sham stimulation in the above-mentioned population. No limits were established in terms of date of publication. A total of 237 trials were found, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Finally, nine studies were analyzed, including 260 healthy subjects with average age between 61.0 and 85.8 years. Seven of the nine included studies reported superior improvements in functionality variables following the application of tDCS compared to sham stimulation. Anodal tDCS applied over the motor cortex may be an effective technique for improving balance and posture control in healthy older adults. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to determine the most effective protocols and to clarify potential benefits for older adults.


2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taishi Tsuji ◽  
Naruki Kitano ◽  
Kenji Tsunoda ◽  
Erika Himori ◽  
Tomohiro Okura ◽  
...  

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3276
Author(s):  
Sanghee Park ◽  
Jiwoong Jang ◽  
Myung Dong Choi ◽  
Yun-A Shin ◽  
Scott Schutzler ◽  
...  

We have recently demonstrated in young adults that an anabolic response with mixed meal protein intake above ~35 g/meal, previously recognized as an “optimal” protein dose, was further stimulated. However, it is unknown if this applies to older adults. We therefore examined anabolic response to a mixed meal containing either 35 g (MOD, moderate amount of protein) or 70 g (HIGH, high amount of protein) in a randomized cross-over metabolic study in older adults (n = 8). Primed continuous infusions of L-[2H5] phenylalanine and L-[2H2]tyrosine were performed to determine whole-body protein kinetics and muscle protein fractional synthesis rate (MPS) in basal fasted and fed states. Whole-body protein kinetics (NB, net protein balance; PS, protein synthesis; PB, protein breakdown) and MPS was expressed as changes from the baseline post-absorptive state. Consistent with our previous findings in young adults, both feedings resulted in a positive NB, with HIGH being more positive than MOD. Furthermore, NB (expressed as g protein∙240 min) increased linearly with an increasing amount of protein intake, expressed relative to lean body mass. The positive NB was achieved due mainly to the suppression of PB in both MOD and to a greater extent HIGH, while PS was only increased in HIGH. Consistent with the whole-body data, MPS was significantly higher in HIGH than MOD. Plasma concentrations of essential amino acids and insulin were greater in HIGH vs. MOD. We conclude that in the context of mixed meals, whole-body anabolic response linearly increases with increasing protein intake primarily through the suppression of PB, and MPS was further stimulated with protein intake above the previously considered “optimal” protein dose in older adults.


1989 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 2850-2856 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. N. Meredith ◽  
M. J. Zackin ◽  
W. R. Frontera ◽  
W. J. Evans

The effects of regular submaximal exercise on dietary protein requirements, whole body protein turnover, and urinary 3-methylhistidine were determined in six young (26.8 +/- 1.2 yr) and six middle-aged (52.0 +/- 1.9 yr) endurance-trained men. They consumed 0.6, 0.9, or 1.2 g.kg-1.day-1 of high-quality protein over three separate 10-day periods, while maintaining training and constant body weight. Nitrogen measurements in diet, urine, and stool and estimated sweat and miscellaneous nitrogen losses showed that they were all in negative nitrogen balance at a protein intake of 0.6 g.kg-1.day-1. The estimated protein requirement was 0.94 +/- 0.05 g.kg-1.day-1 for the 12 men, with no effect of age. Whole body protein turnover, using [15N]glycine as a tracer, and 3-methylhistidine excretion were not different in the two groups, despite lower physical activity of the middle-aged men. Protein intake affected whole body protein flux and synthesis but not 3-methylhistidine excretion. These data show that habitual endurance exercise was associated with dietary protein needs greater than the current Recommended Dietary Allowance of 0.8 g.kg-1.day-1. However, whole body protein turnover and 3-methylhistidine excretion were not different from values reported for sedentary men.


Author(s):  
Jacob T Mey ◽  
Jean-Philippe Godin ◽  
Amanda R Scelsi ◽  
Emily L Kullman ◽  
Steven K Malin ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There are limited data from randomized control trials to support or refute the contention that whole-grains may enhance protein metabolism in humans. The objectives were threefold: 1) to examine the clinical effects of a whole-grain diet on whole-body protein turnover; 2) the cellular effects of whole-grains on protein synthesis in skeletal muscle cells; and 3) the population effects of whole-grain intake on age-related muscle loss. Methods Adults with overweight/obesity (N = 14, age: 40±7 years, BMI: 33±5 kg/m2) were recruited into a crossover, randomized controlled trial (NCT01411540) in which isocaloric, macronutrient-matched whole-grain and refined-grain diets were fully provisioned for two 8-week periods. Diets differed only in the presence of whole-grains (50 g/1000 kcal). Whole-body protein kinetics were assessed at baseline and after each diet in the fasted-state (13C-Leucine) and integrated over 24-hours (15N-Glycine). In vitro studies utilizing C2C12 cells assessed global protein synthesis by SUnSET and anabolic signaling by Western blot. Complementary epidemiologic assessments using the NHANES database assessed the effect of whole-grain intake on muscle function assessed by gait speed in older adults (N = 2,783). Results Integrated 24-hour net protein balance was 3-fold higher on a whole-grain compared to a refined-grain diet (P = 0.04). A whole-grain wheat extract increased submaximal rates of global protein synthesis (27%, P<0.05) in vitro. In a large sample of older adults, whole-grain intake was associated with greater muscle function in older adults (OR (CI) = 0.92 (0.86, 0.98)). Conclusions Consuming 50 g/1000 kcal of whole-grains per day promotes greater whole-body protein turnover and enhances net protein balance in adults. Whole-grains impact skeletal muscle at the cellular level, and in older adults, associate with greater muscle function. Collectively, these data point to a new mechanism whereby whole-grain consumption favorably enhances protein turnover and improves health outcomes.


Author(s):  
Nathalie André ◽  
Nounagnon Frutueux Agbangla

To help older adults begin or adhere to regular physical exercise, several studies have endeavored to identify barriers to active behavior. However, there is a lack of information about barriers for active older people. In addition, most of the reviews of the literature compare only active people to inactive or sedentary people without examining in detail the barriers with respect to the degree of commitment to behavioral change. Finally, there is no consistency in the results of studies investigating the effects of barriers on the relationship between stages of change and exercise behavior. The first aim of this narrative review is to compare barriers that affect exercise stages of change from those that affect levels of exercise behavior in a healthy older population and the factors that can lead to relapse or dropout; the second aim is to identify the extent to which barriers hinder the relationships between stages of change and exercise behaviors. The results showed that barriers are well identified in sedentary people and in the first two stages of change (pre-contemplation and contemplation) compared to active seniors and other stages of change (preparation, action and maintenance). Consistency between the formulations of the different stages in comparison with the transtheoretical model and the definition of barriers and the limitations of measuring physical activity in the different studies are discussed. Finally, novel perspectives of research are proposed to address the flaws in the reviewed studies.


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