In the elderly, does sufficient protein consumption contribute to delaying disability, loss of autonomy and dependence? The question is posed by this team from Newcastle University who returns, among other benefits, to the positive impact of proteins against the loss of muscle mass and against sarcopenia . The team confirms this benefit on a sample of patients aged 85 and over, in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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The very simple principle of autonomy is to be able to manage 2 different levels of essential capacities: daily care and basic household activities. Basic daily care includes feeding, bathing, dressing and going to the toilet. Basic household tasks include managing one's budget, and the mobility needed to shop and participate in social activities. If the person has difficulty performing these two types of daily tasks, these difficulties can reduce their quality of life and their autonomy. Because people aged 85 and over are the fastest growing age group in our society and the group at risk of losing these essential skills, scientists are looking for ways to prolong their health but also their autonomy. This team approaches the subject from a nutritional angle and shows that a sufficient supply of protein contributes to maintaining autonomy in older people.
Protein slows the loss of muscle mass , this is a well-documented point. Healthy muscle mass helps preserve the ability to perform these daily activities and prevent disability and addiction. However, our elders tend to have a lower protein intake than younger adults due in particular to a reduced appetite (less exercise, more sedentary lifestyle) oral (swallowing), oral and dental (chewing) problems. .
More protein, less disability: Here, Newcastle researchers analyze data from the Newcastle 85+ study, which involved older participants aged 85 and over at baseline in 2006. At the start of the study in 2006-2007, 722 participants, 60% of whom were women, were recruited and provided information on their daily food intake, height and weight, as well as their general state of health. The analysis finds that:
- 28% of participants received protein intake below the recommended dietary allowance;
- elderly people with more chronic health problems, however, have different protein needs (depending on their activities in particular);
- participants who ate more protein at the start of the study had a significantly reduced risk of disability and loss of autonomy vs participants consuming less protein.
What daily intake? Older adults should aim to consume about 1.0 to 1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight.
Data that supports current leads on increasing daily protein intake for active and healthy aging.
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