title: Is the optimal level of protein intake for older adults greater than the recommended dietary allowance?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Protein is a macronutrient essential for growth, muscle function, immunity and overall tissue homeostasis. Suboptimal protein intake can significantly impact physical function and overall health in older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article reviews the literature on the recommendations for protein intake in older adults in light of the new evidence linking protein intake with sarcopenia and physical function. Challenges and opportunities for optimal protein nutrition in older persons are discussed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recent metabolic and epidemiological studies suggest that the current recommendations of protein intake may not be adequate for maintenance of physical function and optimal health in older adults. Methodological limitations and novel concepts in protein nutrition are also discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that new research and novel research methodologies are necessary to establish the protein needs and optimal patterns of protein intake for older persons.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Internal Medicine, and Nutrition and Metabolism, and Sealy Center on Aging, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA. evolpi@utmb.edu
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Volpi
authors.forename: Wayne W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Johanna T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Dwyer
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Gordon L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Morley
authors.forename: Robert R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Wolfe
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001823:Body Composition; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009752:Nutritional Status; D055948:Sarcopenia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins