Low Dietary Protein Intakes and Associated Dietary Patterns and Functional Limitations in an Aging Population: A NHANES Analysis

Abstract

Objective To investigate protein intakes across demographic characteristics in relation to dietary patterns and functional outcomes in older adults. Design Observational and cross-sectional study. Setting Non-institutionalized participants from the 2005–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants Data from 11,680 adults were categorized into 51–60 years (n= 4,016), 61–70 years (n=3,854), and 71 years and older (n=3,810) for analysis. Measurements Adults were stratified by meeting or not meeting the protein recommendation (0.8 g/kg/d) to compare demographics, diet quality with Healthy Eating Index– 2015, functional limitations, and other dietary intakes. Dietary recalls were collected using the multiple pass method. Data analyses were weighted to create a nationally–representative sample. Results Dietary protein intakes were significantly lower in older age groups, with up to 46% of the oldest adults not meeting the protein intake recommendation. Participants consuming protein below the recommended intake level had significantly poorer diet quality across all age groups (P<0.01), however, overall diet quality was better in older adults. Those not meeting the protein recommendation were more likely to have intakes of other nutrients below recommended levels. Those below the protein recommendation had significantly more functional limitations across all age groups, while grip strength was significantly lower in those over 70 years old. Conclusion Lower protein intakes, and lower diet quality and physical functioning are related in an aging population. Meeting the protein recommendation was linked to better overall diet quality and may be protective of lean mass; therefore, evaluation of individual characteristics which may affect protein intakes is crucial in supporting older adults to meet their protein needs.

The Relationship Between Healthy Eating Motivation and Protein Intake in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Varying Functional Status

“…Compared to other studies showing evidence for an association between lower protein intake and worse functional status cross-sectionally [10,15], our participants could be more robust, despite the presence of functional limitations. As participation in both presented studies suggested a certain interest in health-related issues, older adults with rather healthy lifestyles and comparatively good resources to deal with losses in physical function are likely to be over-represented.…”

“…Nevertheless, insufficient protein intake is still prevalent, especially in the "oldest-old" and older adults with functional limitations [11][12][13]. A body of literature highlights the interaction between functional status and protein consumption by identifying a poor functional status as both a consequence and a risk factor of low protein intake [10,14,15]. In addition to the amount of consumed protein, the quality of protein seems to be a factor for maintaining muscle health [7,16].…”

An IRT-constructed Brief Physical Functioning Scale and Its Association with Health Status

“…The NHANES protocol includes a multistage stratified sampling from the non-institutionalized population. [10] The purpose of NHANES is to assess health behavior, health status, and nutrition of civilian residents. The NHANES data come from personal interviews, standardized physical examinations, and laboratory tests.…”

Perbedaan Status Gizi Dan Kualitas Asupan Makanan Pada Lansia Yang Mengikuti Dan Tidak Mengikuti Prolanis

“…Hal ini sejalan dengan penelitian sebelumnya yang menunjukkan asupan serat sebagian besar lansia tergolong rendah dengan rerata sekitar 8-9,4 gram/hari. 23,32 Kecukupan protein subjek tergolong baik karena subjek cenderung menyukai olahan kacang-kacangan baik untuk sayur, lauk, maupun selingan. Hal ini sejalan dengan penelitian sebelumnya yang menunjukkan sebagian besar lansia memenuhi kebutuhan asupan protein dengan kecukupan sekitar 10,37-11% dari kebutuhan.…”