More Than Half of Older People Don't Consume Enough Protein to Stay Healthy

A study published in Geriatrics found more than half of older Britons in South Yorkshire do not eat enough protein to stay healthy, reports Medical Xpress . The researchers examined the diets of 256 adults between 65 and 89, as well as two datasets on the dietary intake of older adults in the region. Less than 50 percent of participants met current British recommendations of consuming 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of their body weight daily, which amounts to about 53 grams for a man and 46 grams for a woman. Meat, fish, and dairy was found to contribute to 86 percent of protein intake for study participants, and the investigators suggested higher daily intake could be beneficial, especially in the morning. Many experts think that older adults require more protein than recommended, with international organizations suggesting 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. "Inadequate protein intake contributes to muscle wastage, impacting physical function and increasing the risk of frailty and mortality through falls," said the University of Sheffield's Bernard Corfe. "This risk is again increased in older adults with obesity, who may be unable to exercise or move freely, as their weight may mask the problem."