Study on Protein-Enriched Foods and Physical Performance in Older Adults
Overview of the Research
A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition examined the impact of protein-enriched foods on the physical performance of older patients post-hospitalization. Conducted over a 12-week period, the research found that these dietary interventions did not enhance physical performance in this demographic.
Inactivity and Muscle Mass Loss
Patients often experience significant inactivity during hospital stays, leading to a reduction in muscle mass. This decline is particularly pronounced in older adults, defined as those aged 65 and above, who are more vulnerable to decreases in muscle strength and function compared to younger individuals.
Previous Recommendations and Studies
The PROT-AGE study group has recommended a daily protein intake of 1.2-1.5 g/kg for older adults facing acute and chronic illnesses. Previous studies investigating the effects of protein-enriched foods on elderly physical performance were limited to short durations of up to three weeks and utilized only two protein-enhanced products.
Details of the Current Study
The new study, conducted in a hospital in the Netherlands, aimed to improve upon earlier research by implementing a 12-week intervention. Researchers collaborated with nutritional professionals to offer a wider variety of protein-enriched food options tailored to the nutritional needs of older adults. The trial commenced in the hospital and continued once patients returned home, from October 2014 to April 2015, to evaluate any changes in physical performance.
Methodology
Patients received packaged meals containing protein-rich foods along with a comprehensive nutritional guide at home, while control subjects maintained a standard diet. After a 12-week follow-up period, final assessments were conducted to evaluate the intervention’s impact. Participants were randomized, and their food intake was meticulously recorded through diaries and 24-hour dietary recalls to ensure accuracy.
Findings of the Study
Despite successfully increasing protein intake among participants, the study found no corresponding improvement in physical performance. The participants maintained a high protein intake for a duration significantly longer than in previous studies. Many subjects also had chronic conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which inhibited their ability to leverage the increased protein for physical benefits. These conditions often prevent older adults from engaging in physical activity, which is essential for muscle utilization.
Implications of the Results
The findings suggest that merely consuming a protein-enriched diet is insufficient for enhancing physical performance in older adults. Resistance exercise is crucial for utilizing dietary protein effectively to build muscle. Furthermore, individual nutritional needs should be assessed to determine the appropriate protein intake required for recovery and muscle strength improvement.
Recommendations for Healthcare Providers
Healthcare professionals, including doctors and dietitians, should collaborate to create tailored dietary plans that ensure older patients receive adequate protein-rich foods while emphasizing the importance of incorporating resistance exercise into their daily routines.
Citation
The study was authored by Dr. Apollina Sharma, MBBS, GradDip EXMD, along with Janne Beelen, Nicole M. de Roos, and Lisette CPGM de Groot. The article is titled, “A 12-week intervention with protein-enriched foods and drinks improved protein intake but not physical performance of older patients during the first 6 months after hospital release: a randomized controlled trial,” published in the British Journal of Nutrition (2017): 1-9.