Characterization of Dietary Protein among Older Adults in the United States: Amount, Animal Sources, and Meal Patterns

doi:10.1016/j.jand.2013.01.014

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Volume 113, Issue 6, June 2013, Pages 809-815

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2013.01.014 Get rights and content

Abstract

Although protein intakes in the United States are widely regarded as adequate, attention has been given to potential inadequacy of recommendations or patterns of intake in older adults. The objectives of this research were to update and expand estimates of protein intake and adequacy in older US adults, with additional focus on contributions of animal source protein. Data were obtained from 1,768 adults aged 51 years and older in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006, the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies, and US Department of Agriculture Standard Reference datasets. Estimates of inadequate intakes ranged from <1% to 5% of men aged 51 to 70 years to 9% to 24% of women aged ≥71 years, depending on whether adjusted or actual body weights were used to calculate grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Mean usual protein intakes were 94±22 g/day and 56±13 g/day in those same groups, with 15.3%±2.3% and 15.4%±2.4% of energy from protein. Animal sources provided >60% of protein intake, on average. In regression models with energy intake, age, sex, ethnicity, and education as covariables, percent protein from animal sources predicted protein intake and odds of meeting the Recommended Dietary Allowances (P<0.001). Consumption of total and animal-source protein was skewed to the evening meal. Findings highlight the influence of body weight choice (actual vs adjusted) on estimates of protein inadequacy, and suggest the need for careful consideration of protein source in adults at risk for inadequacy. Research is needed to establish optimal protein intakes, sources, and patterns.

Section snippets

NHANES Sample and Dietary Intake Data

We used data from adults aged 51 years and older in NHANES 2005-2006. NHANES, a cross-sectional study, uses a stratified, multistage probability sample of the noninstitutionalized US population. Details on NHANES design, protocol, and analytical guidelines are available.²² This study was determined to be exempt by the Cal Poly Human Subjects Committee because the research involved only existing, anonymous, publicly available data.

Dietary data were from two nonconsecutive 24-hour recalls, the

Protein Intake: Usual Intakes and Adequacy Estimates

Table 1 summarizes usual intakes of protein. Although the intakes were not compared statistically by age and sex subgroups, grams per day intakes appeared lower in women and the oldest participants, whereas percent energy from protein did not vary much among subgroups. Mean usual energy intakes, as expected, followed the same pattern among age and sex subgroups as did grams per day protein intakes: 1,687 and 1,464 kcal/day for women and 2,492 and 2,034 kcal/day for men in the 51 to 70 and ≥71

Conclusions

Our analyses update and expand understanding of protein intakes in older adults. Strengths include the use of nationally representative data and usual intake analyses for protein. Limitations include those inherent in the NHANES dietary data (such as possible underreporting of intakes) and our decision not to disaggregate individual plant source proteins. The latter limitation does not influence our conclusions; however, descriptive data on specific plant food protein sources would be of

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Brian Verbaken and Priya Prakash Prabakar for their valuable contributions to data management and analyses.

L. A. Berner is a professor, Food Science and Nutrition Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA.

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L. A. Berner is a professor, Food Science and Nutrition Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA.

J. Doi is an associate professor, Statistics Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA.

G. Becker is a graduate student, Department of Statistics, University of California, Davis, CA.

M. Wise is a statistical associate, Educational Testing Service, Monterey, CA.

: STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

: FUNDING/SUPPORT This work was funded by the California State University Agricultural Research Initiative; the Beef Checkoff, through the National Cattlemen's Beef Association; and the Dairy Council of California.

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ResearchResearch and Professional BriefsCharacterization of Dietary Protein among Older Adults in the United States: Amount, Animal Sources, and Meal Patterns

Abstract

Section snippets

NHANES Sample and Dietary Intake Data

Protein Intake: Usual Intakes and Adequacy Estimates

Conclusions

Acknowledgements

Am J Clin Nutr

Am J Clin Nutr

Am J Clin Nutr

Am J Clin Nutr

Am J Clin Nutr

Am J Clin Nutr

Am J Clin Nutr

J Am Diet Assoc

J Am Diet Assoc

J Am Diet Assoc

J Acad Nutr Diet

J Am Diet Assoc

Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010

The recommended dietary allowance for protein may not be adequate for older people to maintain skeletal muscle

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci

Protein turnover and requirements in the healthy and frail elderly

J Nutr Health Aging

Optimizing protein intake in aging

Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care

Effect of protein intake on bone and muscle mass in the elderly

Nutr Rev

Research
Research and Professional Briefs
Characterization of Dietary Protein among Older Adults in the United States: Amount, Animal Sources, and Meal Patterns