Fwd:NNF - Protein Needs of Older Adults

[Guest guest]

If this proves to be true, then the quality certainly matters, as protein in

excess can tax the kidneys. In other words, don't throw another steak on the

barbie!!

 

Could this have anything to do with decreased HCL output, or is that all " bunk "

as they are now trying to say??

 

In Health,

Steve

-----------------------------

August 17, 2001

NUTRITION NEWS FOCUS

" Nutrition news is important. We help you understand it! "

 

Today's Topic: Protein Needs of Older Adults

 

A study that has received no media attention but may be more important than most

that grab headlines was on the dietary protein needs of healthy adults from 55

to 77 years of age. Ten healthy people were studied for 14 weeks on precisely

controlled diets. While two measures of protein adequacy were unchanged, two

others were reduced when people ate the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for

protein, which is 0.8 grams per kg body mass per day.

 

A measure of protein metabolism is production of nitrogen in the urine. This

decreased, as did muscle area of the thigh, when the subjects ate the RDA for

protein. Both results are troubling indicators of insufficient protein intake,

but this needs to be confirmed in a larger group of people. The study appeared

in the June 2001 edition of the Journal of Gerontology.

< http://biomed.gerontologyjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/56/6/M373 >

 

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: This study appears

to have been very carefully done. It suggests that older adults need more

protein than is generally recommended. Since older people need fewer calories

(due to less activity and lower muscle mass), this is a challenge to eat foods

that provide more protein without increasing calories.

 

 

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