✔Evidence indicates that protein intake of 50-70 grams a day  can improve muscle mass, strength, and function.

✔Frailty  as we age is closely connected to decreased muscle mass and strength known as sarcopenia.

✔Not only do the older progressively lose muscle with age, but their physiology resists building new muscle.

✔Pair inactivity with low protein intake, and continued muscle loss with age becomes  inevitable.

✔Animal sources of protein (highest quality) generally provide the most leucine, the essential amino acid that is key to synthesis of muscle tissue.

✔Whey protein ( found in most protein powder supplements has been found to be especially high in leucine.

✔Some experts believe equally distributing protein intake over three meals a day is as important as getting enough protein.

✔To help older (>65 years) people maintain and regain lean body mass and function, the PROT-AGE Study Group recommends a range of 1.0 to 1.2 g of protein per kilogram of body weight.

✔Sarcopenia is insidious but its progression may be accelerated by physical inactivity and poor nutrition.

✔Aging does not impair the ability to increase muscle protein synthesis following ingestion of 30 grams (≈4oz) of high quality protein (i.e. lean beef, chicken, or fish) at a meal.

 

✔Animal sources of protein (chicken, turkey, fish, beef, pork, shellfish, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese) contain complete protein.  Complete protein is necessary to build and repair muscle.

✔By combining foods from two or more plant categories in a meal, those foods compliment each other and provide all necessary amino acids to create complete protein.  Example: serve cooked dried beans (legume) and rice  (grain) together.

 

Ways to Increase Protein

 

℗Make a high protein smoothie by blending, milk, nonfat dry milk, yogurt, and/or whey protein powder.  Two tbsp. peanut butter will add an extra eight grams of protein.

℗Prepare custards, puddings, and quiches that are packed with protein from milk products and eggs.

℗Purchase whole grain breads with seeds to increase protein and fiber.

℗Prepare a hearty stew or soup with lean beef or turkey and add dried beans as well.

℗Eat ½ cup cottage cheese with fruit and/or yogurt, plus nuts if desired.

℗Consume Greek yogurt (more protein than regular) with 12 to 15 grams of protein per 3.5 oz. cup.

Source Diana Robenstein