Increases in protein intake, protein distribution score, and micronutrient intakes in older adults in response to a whole food-based dietary intervention

Abstract

Background: Changes in nutrient intakes and protein distribution were analyzed in response to a whole food-based dietary intervention targeting high-protein meals in older adults.

Methods: Community-dwelling older adults (n = 56; M/F, 28/28; age, 69.3 ± 4.0 years) completed a 12-week intervention after randomization to exercise only (EX, n = 19), nutrition only (NUTR, n = 16), or nutrition plus exercise (NUTR + EX, n = 21). NUTR and NUTR + EX followed a dietary intervention targeting ~ 0.4 g/kg of protein at each of breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Results: Relative protein intake increased in NUTR (0.99 ± 0.34 to 1.43 ± 0.39 g/kg, P < 0.001) and NUTR + EX (0.90 ± 0.20 to 1.57 ± 0.49 g/kg, P < 0.001). Intakes of cholesterol, B vitamins, selenium and iodine were increased in both NUTR and NUTR + EX (P < 0.05 for all).

Conclusion: This dietary intervention was effective at increasing daily protein intake and achieving an even distribution pattern. Changes in micronutrient intake were marked, and reflect the increase in consumption of animal-derived protein-rich food sources.

Keywords: Animal; Dairy; Exercise; Meat; Protein; Protein distribution; Skeletal muscle.