Study Reveals US Adults Not Consuming Adequate Proteins

A new study published in the Nutrition, Health and Aging Journal revealed that older individuals in the US are consuming less amount of protein than required. The study was conducted by Christopher A Taylor, who is a dietician and an associate professor at the Ohio State University.

As we age, our body loses its muscle mass by 50%. Loss of muscle strength can lead to poor health and increases the risk of fractures and falls in old age. This is why with age the consumption of protein becomes all the more important.

The study suggested that insufficient amount of protein indicates poor health and diet. It examined the data collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2005 to 2014. The study aims to look into the protein consumption of 11,680 individuals in the age group of 51 and above. The researchers examined the association between the dietary patterns, physical function, and protein intake in these individuals. The analysis of the study found that up to 46% of the older individuals do not consume enough protein regularly. 

The researchers of the study said that those individuals who do not consume the required amount of protein do not meet the recommended daily permitted amount of micronutrients containing antioxidant properties like zinc, vitamin E, C, D and selenium.

The researchers of the study said that those individuals below the recommended protein intake will have limitations when it comes to crouching, stooping, kneeling, sitting or standing for longer period of time, preparing meals or walking 10 steps. They add that the screening for nutrition should not be limited to older individuals but it should begin with those above 50 year of age. The study author added that in spite of the craze for protein in US, the survey data suggests that there is still a huge gap in the protein intake of adults. He said that the study looks at the current recommendations that do not take into consideration the age, activity and illness when older people need more protein intake.