Nutrition Update: Dietary Protein

Dietary protein is a trendy topic in the news. Providers need to encourage individuals to consume healthy sources of dietary protein. Including protein at breakfast and at snack time is a way to help promote satiety and curb the intake of less nutrient-rich foods. Extra dietary protein is needed during periods of growth (childhood/adolescence), pregnancy/lactation, intense physical training, disease states, and frailty associated with aging. The middle-aged and elderly adult can help prevent sarcopenia and osteoporosis by including protein at every meal, remaining physically active, and incorporating sources of calcium and vitamin D.