Increases in protein intake, protein distribution score, and micronutrient intakes in older adults in response to a whole food-based dietary intervention

Background Changes in nutrient intakes and protein distribution were analyzed in response to a whole food-based dietary intervention targeting high-protein meals in older adults. Methods Community-dwelling older adults (n = 56; M/F, 28/28; age, 69.3 +/- 4.0 years) completed a 12-week intervention after randomization to exercise only (EX, n = 19), nutrition only (NUTR, n = 16), or nutrition plus exercise (NUTR + EX, n = 21). NUTR and NUTR + EX followed a dietary intervention targeting similar to 0.4 g/kg of protein at each of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Results Relative protein intake increased in NUTR (0.99 +/- 0.34 to 1.43 +/- 0.39 g/kg, P < 0.001) and NUTR + EX (0.90 +/- 0.20 to 1.57 +/- 0.49 g/kg, P < 0.001). Intakes of cholesterol, B vitamins, selenium and iodine were increased in both NUTR and NUTR + EX (P < 0.05 for all). Conclusion This dietary intervention was effective at increasing daily protein intake and achieving an even distribution pattern. Changes in micronutrient intake were marked, and reflect the increase in consumption of animal-derived protein-rich food sources.

Automated summary

This study showed that a whole food-based dietary intervention targeting high-protein meals effectively increased daily protein intake and achieved an even distribution pattern in older adults. Changes in micronutrient intake, including increased consumption of cholesterol, B vitamins, selenium, and iodine, were noted, reflecting the increase in consumption of animal-derived protein-rich food sources.