Dietary protein recommendations and the prevention of sarcopenia.
OBJECTIVE
To draw attention to recent work on the role of protein and the amount of protein needed with each meal to preserve skeletal muscle mass in ageing.


RESULTS
Ageing does not inevitably reduce the anabolic response to a high-quality protein meal. Ingestion of approximately 25-30 g of protein per meal maximally stimulates muscle protein synthesis in both young and older individuals. However, muscle protein synthesis is blunted in elderly when protein and carbohydrate are coingested or when the quantity of protein is less than approximately 20 g per meal. Supplementing regular mixed-nutrient meals with leucine may also enhance the muscle protein synthetic response in elders.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of recent work, we propose a novel and specific dietary approach to prevent or slow down muscle loss with ageing. Rather than recommending a large, global increase in the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein for all elderly individuals, clinicians should stress the importance of ingesting a sufficient amount of protein with each meal. To maximize muscle protein synthesis while being cognizant of total energy intake, we propose a dietary plan that includes 25-30 g of high quality protein per meal.
Paddon-Jones
Douglas
D
Department of Physical Therapy, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences. The University of Texas Medical Branch. 301 University Blvd. Galveston, Texas 77555-1144, USA. djpaddon@utmb.edu
Rasmussen
Blake B
BB
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007930:Leucine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009124:Muscle Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D011488:Protein Deficiency / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D009124:Muscle Proteins; D007930:Leucine