Staying strong with proteins for senior nutrition
Age-associated muscle loss, also known as sarcopenia, is characterised as a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength in the elderly. It is a syndrome that occurs with increasing age as a result of increasing inactivity and the consumption of insufficient amounts of dietary protein.
The current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8g/kg/day, but almost 40% of people over the age of 70 do not meet this recommendation. Whey protein is a natural and high quality choice to fill this gap. Compared to other protein sources, it has a high content of all essential amino acids and the branched-chain amino acids; leucine, isoleucine and valine.
High-quality protein and exercise to counteract sarcopenia
Scientific evidence increasingly suggests whey protein may be taken as a high-quality protein supplement to reverse sarcopenia during ageing. An intake of up to 1.3g protein/kg body weight/day in combination with exercise may help to counteract sarcopenia.
Whey proteins have a unique stimulating effect on muscle protein synthesis in the elderly after exercise. This muscle-stimulating effect may be a valuable tool in the prevention of sarcopenia during ageing.
