Insufficient Protein Intakes is Highly Prevalent among Physically Active Elderly

• Published in: The Journal of nutrition, health & aging health & aging, 2018, Vol.22 (9), p.1112-1114
• Main Authors: Ten Haaf, D S M, De Regt, M F, Visser, M, Witteman, B J M, de Vries, J H M, Eijsvogels, T M H, Hopman, M T E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Proteins - administration & dosage; Dietary Proteins - metabolism; Exercise - physiology; Female; Humans; Male; Prevalence
• ISSN: 1760-4788
• DOI: 10.1007/s12603-018-1075-8

Sufficient protein intake and habitual physical activity are key factors in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. In the present study, we assessed habitual dietary protein intake and the contribution of animal proteins in male versus female physically active elderly and identified determinants of protein intake. a cross-sectional study. the study was performed within the Nijmegen Exercise Study. physically active elderly ≥ 65 yrs. Physical activity was assessed using the SQUASH questionnaire and expressed in Metabolic Equivalent of Task hours per week (METhr/wk). Dietary protein intake was determined using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to determine whether age, sex, educational level, smoking, alcohol intake and physical activity were associated with protein intake (g/kg/d). A total of 910 participants (70±4 yrs, 70% male) were included and reported a habitual physical activity level of 85.0±53.5 METhr/wk. Protein intake was 1.1±0.3 g/kg/d with 57% animal-based proteins for males, and 1.2±0.3 g/kg/d with 59% animalbased proteins for females (both P