A higher protein intake at breakfast and lunch is associated with a higher total daily protein intake in older adults: a post-hoc cross-sectional analysis of four randomised controlled trials

Abstract

Background: A protein intake of 30-40 g per meal is suggested to maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis in older adults and could therefore contribute to the prevention of sarcopenia. Protein intake at breakfast and lunch is often low and offers a great opportunity to improve daily protein intake. Protein, however, is known for its satiating effects. Therefore, we explored the association between the amount of protein intake at breakfast and lunch and total daily protein intake in older adults.

Methods: Protein intake was assessed by a 3-day food record in 498 community dwelling older adults (≥55 years) participating different lifestyle interventions. Linear mixed model analysis was used to examine the association between protein intake at breakfast or lunch and total daily protein intake, adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, smoking status, study and total energy intake.

Results: After adjustment for potential confounders, a 10 g higher protein intake at breakfast was associated with a 3.2 g higher total daily protein intake (P = 0.008) for males and a 4.9 g (P < 0.001) higher total daily protein intake for females. A 10 g higher protein intake at lunch was associated with a 3.7 g higher total daily protein intake (P < 0.001) for males, and a 5.8 g higher total daily protein intake (P < 0.001) for females.

Conclusions: A higher protein intake at breakfast and lunch is associated with a higher total daily protein intake in community dwelling older adults. Stimulating a higher protein intake at breakfast and lunch might represent a promising nutritional strategy to optimise the amount of protein per meal without compromising total daily protein intake.

Keywords: breakfast; dietary protein intake; lunch; older adults; sarcopenia; satiety.

Figure 1

Flow chart for inclusion of baseline data of older adults (n = 498) participating in lifestyle interventions at the Amsterdam Nutritional Assessment Center in the data analysis.

Figure 2

Macronutrient intake per meal. The bars represent an average macronutrient intake per eating moment over the 3‐day food records (n = 498). The dashed line represents the amount of protein per meal that is suggested to stimulate protein synthesis^{( 28 )}, as calculated using the average body weight of the study population.