Despite the US protein craze, adults are still falling short on intake, study finds

21 Feb 2019 --- Despite protein’s trending status, one in three adults aged over 50 are not consuming enough of the macronutrient, a study published in Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging has found. The analysis reveals that protein consumption is a strong indicator of adults’ overall diet, nutrition and physical well-being, as low protein consumption is often associated with a poorer quality diet and lower physical activity levels.

“Despite the protein craze in the US, the data shows there’s still a big gap in adults’ protein intake,” says Christopher A. Taylor, Ph.D., R.D., Associate Professor at The Ohio State University and study author. ”Not only were they significantly lacking, but this research was looking at intake against current dietary recommendations, which don’t take into consideration activity, age and illness, when adults may need even more protein.”

Using data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), researchers from The Ohio State University and Abbott evaluated protein intake in relation to diet patterns and functional outcomes in 11,680 adults aged 51 and older. 

Some key findings included:

• Shortcutting protein is hurting your diet: Adults who weren't getting enough protein had overall poorer quality diets. They ate less healthy foods such as greens, beans, dairy and seafood, and weren't consuming enough of other vital vitamins and minerals like choline, vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D.
• Meal skipping may be part of the problem: More than 40 percent of adults who did not meet the protein recommendation ate fewer than three meals per day.
• Adults are majorly missing the mark: Of those not meeting their protein intake, one third were up to 30 grams of protein short per day. For a 160-pound healthy adult, who needs at least 58 grams of protein a day, this is more than half of their daily needs.
• Protein signals strength and energy: Those not meeting the protein recommendation were more likely to encounter physical limitations, such as sitting for long periods or getting into or out of bed.

Making protein a priority
The “power of protein” is often underestimated, according to Abby Sauer, M.P.H., R.D., Registered Dietitian at Abbott.

 Despite protein’s trending status, one in three adults aged over 50 are not consuming enough of the macronutrient. Credit: Abbott.“As the building blocks of our muscles, protein plays a role in every aspect of our lives – from providing energy to run 5 km, to giving us the strength to get out of a hospital bed. There are simple steps adults can take – like including protein at each meal – that will have a long-lasting impact on overall health,” she explains.

Eating enough protein at the right times and getting regular exercise, can help preserve muscle strength and function. While experts agree that adults need more protein as they age, upping your protein doesn’t have to be hard, note the researchers.

They share some tips for people aiming to increase their protein intake:

• Add protein-toppers to meals: Spread hummus on a turkey sandwich, add diced chicken to pasta or toss beans into a salad.
• Snack on protein: Instead of reaching for a handful of pretzels, opt for a protein option like nuts, Greek yogurt or string cheese.
• Scrutinize your plate: Make sure you are including protein foods, such as chicken, seafood, eggs, nuts, beans or dairy and aim for about 25-30 grams per meal. For example, 30 grams of protein equals a cup of turkey chili topped with shredded cheese and a whole wheat roll.
• Incorporate nutrition drinks: Protein shakes are an option for adults who aren’t able to get enough protein through food or need an easy option.
• Amp up intake if you’re over 65: Some adults may need up to two times more protein than younger adults.

Industry is taking note of the need for convenient high-protein offerings. Last week, Arla Foods Ingredients recently launched a prototype beverage that packs 10g of whey protein into a 100ml shot. Aimed at the medical nutrition category, the shot is also suitable for seniors who need to up their protein intake. 

The company worked with whey by utilizing its Lacprodan DI-7325 ingredient to enhance the beverage's heat stability and maintain proper viscosity. The medical beverage also contains added minerals according to FSMP (Food for Special Medical Purposes) rules, the company adds. Compacting a high-nutrient density into a small serving size is one of the pervasive trends influencing NPD in the medical nutrition category as patients and the elderly may have a reduced ability to chew, swallow, taste and digest.