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Protein Intake and Incident Sarcopenia in Older Adults: the Health Abc Study

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Low protein intake has been hypothesized to contribute to sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and performance. We examined the association between protein intake and incident sarcopenia in community-dwelling, older adults in the Health ABC study (n=2,101; mean age 74.5 yrs, 53% female, 37% black). Protein intake was calculated using an interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaire and categorized into tertiles (<0.7, 0.7-<1.0, and ≥1.0 g protein/kg actual body weight and <0.76, 0.76-<1.06, and ≥1.06 g protein/kg adjusted body weight). Sarcopenia was defined as low appendicular lean mass adjusted for BMI (<0.789 in men, <0.512 in women) and low grip strength (<30 kg in men, <20 kg in women) or slow gait speed (<1.0 m/sec). The association between protein intake and incident sarcopenia over 4 years of follow-up was examined using proportional hazard regression models adjusted for demographics, behavioral characteristics, height, total energy intake, and chronic conditions. Mean (SD) protein intake was 0.90 (0.36) g/kg actual body weight. The cumulative incidence of sarcopenia over 4 years of follow-up was 18.5%. Individuals in the lower two protein tertiles based on actual body weight were at greater risk of sarcopenia over 4 years of follow-up (HR (95% CI): 3.25 (2.04–5.18) and 1.78 (1.22–2.60), respectively) compared to those in the upper protein tertile. When adjusted body weight was used, only those in the lowest protein tertile were at greater risk of sarcopenia (HR (95% CI): 1.62 (1.02–2.57) and 1.17 (0.80–1.70)). Dietary protein should be studied further as a modifiable risk factor for sarcopenia.

Source: Innovation in Aging

DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.027