Role of protein in healthy ageing

Older adults may benefit from a protein intake above the recommended daily allowance, with an intake of ≥1.2 g/kg/day to help prevent age-related sarcopenia. The failure of older people to adequately regulate food and nutrient intake results in weight loss, and such changes have been termed the anorexia of ageing and have been attributed to multiple factors affecting the satiety cascade. The quality and timing of protein supplementation in addition to quantity is very important. To improve muscle protein synthesis, pulse feeding may be more effective than bolus feeding, but further evidence is needed. Key foci of ongoing research should be to provide robust evidence from trials in older adults to help define the optimum type and timing of dietary protein supplements.