BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with reductions in muscle mass and strength, so-called sarcopenia, and is generally characterized using muscle mass index (MMI = FFM (kg)/height (m)2). It is believed that adequate nutrition especially regarding protein intake, can delay this progression and enhance the quality of life of elders. OBJECTIVES: We examined whether the predominant source of protein consumed (animal or vegetal) by older women was associated with MMI. DESIGN: Thirty-eight healthy, normal weight, sedentary women, aged between 57-75 years (mean age: 66 +/- 5 years old), and taking no medication that could influence metabolism were recruited. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; muscle protein content was measured by the use of creatinine excretion. Physical activity metabolism was obtained by the use of accelerometry, and indirect calorimetry. Finally, protein intake was measured with a 3-day dietary record. RESULTS: Significant correlations were observed between MMI and body mass index, fat-free mass, muscle protein content, total protein intake, animal protein intake, fat mass, visceral fat and daily energy expenditure. However, a stepwise regression analysis showed animal protein intake to be the only independent predictor of MMI (r2=0.19; p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that protein intake, especially from animal sources, may be associated with a better preservation of MMI. However, more research is needed to confirm our results.
BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with reductions in muscle mass and strength, so-called sarcopenia, and is generally characterized using muscle mass index (MMI = FFM (kg)/height (m)2). It is believed that adequate nutrition especially regarding protein intake, can delay this progression and enhance the quality of life of elders. OBJECTIVES: We examined whether the predominant source of protein consumed (animal or vegetal) by older women was associated with MMI. DESIGN: Thirty-eight healthy, normal weight, sedentary women, aged between 57-75 years (mean age: 66 +/- 5 years old), and taking no medication that could influence metabolism were recruited. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; muscle protein content was measured by the use of creatinine excretion. Physical activity metabolism was obtained by the use of accelerometry, and indirect calorimetry. Finally, protein intake was measured with a 3-day dietary record. RESULTS: Significant correlations were observed between MMI and body mass index, fat-free mass, muscle protein content, total protein intake, animal protein intake, fat mass, visceral fat and daily energy expenditure. However, a stepwise regression analysis showed animal protein intake to be the only independent predictor of MMI (r2=0.19; p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that protein intake, especially from animal sources, may be associated with a better preservation of MMI. However, more research is needed to confirm our results.
Authors: Jeannette M Beasley; Andrea Z LaCroix; Marian L Neuhouser; Ying Huang; Lesley Tinker; Nancy Woods; Yvonne Michael; J David Curb; Ross L Prentice Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2010-05-07 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: L Gregorio; J Brindisi; A Kleppinger; R Sullivan; K M Mangano; J D Bihuniak; A M Kenny; J E Kerstetter; K L Insogna Journal: J Nutr Health Aging Date: 2014 Impact factor: 4.075
Authors: Y Rolland; S Czerwinski; G Abellan Van Kan; J E Morley; M Cesari; G Onder; J Woo; R Baumgartner; F Pillard; Y Boirie; W M C Chumlea; B Vellas Journal: J Nutr Health Aging Date: 2008 Aug-Sep Impact factor: 4.075