Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) does affect the elderly population. The loss of skeletal muscle mass from inactivity and lack of food consumption can negatively affect performance and activities of daily living in said population (Lancha, Zanella, Tanabe, Andriamihaja, & Blachier, 2017). Furthermore, the loss of skeletal muscle can begin as early as the 4th decade of life. When individuals enter their 60s, the loss of skeletal muscle mass can increase to a rate of approximately 15% per decade (Lancha et al., 2017). As skeletal muscle decreases, lipid oxidation and blood glucose levels rise (less muscle is present to consume said energy substrates),which may contribute to diabetes type II, obesity, and metabolic syndrome (Lancha et al., 2017). As such, determining and implementing an ideal level of protein consumption, and protein source, is paramount in restoring independence and maintaining health among the elderly.
The human body is in a perpetual state of protein synthesis/degradation and is heavily influenced by factors including physical activity (or lack thereof), caloric deficit, and senescence (cells stop dividing) (Lancha et al., 2017). Skeletal muscle contributes to approximately 40% of total protein within the body, and elderly populations tend to experience higher levels of muscle protein breakdown than muscle protein synthesis (Lancha et al., 2017). Ultimately, the elderly tend to lose muscle mass as they age. Research has indicated that 1.2-1.6 g/kg bodyweight of protein per day among the elderly should help slow skeletal muscle protein degradation (in conjunction with exercise) thereby increasing muscle protein turnover (Lancha et al., 2017). However, the sources and quality of protein might be equally relevant.
Lancha et al. (2017) indicated that dairy sources (if there are no sensitivities) are considered among the best sources of protein. Specifically, whey protein (constituting 20% of total milk protein) is characterized by a high biological value; it is replete with essential amino acids, and a relitively high concentration of leucine (Mancha et al., 2017). Particular interest has emanated from leucine as animal studies have indicated that said amino acid promotes transcription of genes responsible for protein synthesis. Moreover, researchers suspect that leucine consumption and resistance training, as an aggregate, may further optimize overall muscle protein synthesis (Lancha et al., 2017).
In addition to said benefits, Lancha et al. (2017) stated that whey protein may also be more easily digestible than other forms of protein (i.e., casein, soy, collagen); whey protein tends to contain biologically active peptides, which can assist in digestion. Furthermore, whey tends to contain a higher concentration of other amino essential acids compared to other forms of protein. Such a combination of favorable characteristics makes whey protein a likely candidate for use among the elderly.
In conclusion, PEM and sarcopenia are conditions that negatively affect activities of daily living and overall quality of life among the elderly. Increasing daily protein consumption (and activity levels) is paramount in restoring muscle mass, function, and metabolic health. Due to the density of essential amino acids (and digestibility) of whey protein, such a supplement can be another tool in restoring the health, performance, and longevity of the elderly.
References
Lancha, A. H., Zanella, R., Tanabe, S. G. O., Andriamihaja, M., Blachier, F. (2017). Dietary protein supplementation in the elderly for limiting muscle mass loss. Amino Acids, 49(1), 33-47.
-Michael McIsaac