Distribution pattern of dietary protein intake does not affect anabolic response, lean body mass, muscle strength or function over 8 weeks in older adults

Abstract

Our recent acute study of dietary protein distribution indicated no difference in the anabolic response to differing patterns of dietary protein intake. However, it has been argued that acute metabolic studies may not predict functional changes over a longer period time. To examine the chronic effects of protein distribution pattern, older subjects (51– 69 yrs) consumed 1.1 g/kg/d in 2 distinct patterns. One group (n=7) consumed protein in a traditional, or uneven, manner (UNEVEN, 15/20/65%; breakfast, lunch, dinner), while the other group (n=7) consumed meals with an even distribution of protein (EVEN: 33/33/33%). Lean body mass (LBM), functional outcomes, and protein kinetics at whole‐body and muscle levels using stable isotope tracers were determined before and after 8 weeks of each respective protein intake pattern. There were no significant differences between the intake patterns in LBM, muscle strength, and other functional outcomes. Consistent with these findings, the 20‐h integrated whole body protein kinetics [net protein balance (NB), protein synthesis (PS), and breakdown (PB)] above basal states and muscle protein synthesis were not different between the intake patterns. We conclude that the distribution pattern of protein intake in mixed meals over an 8‐week period does not affect protein metabolism, lean body mass, muscle strength, or functional outcomes.Support or Funding InformationThe project was financially supported by a grant from National Dairy Council, Egg Nutrition Center, and National Cattlemen's Beef Association. This project was financially supported by Pepper Center Grant PG30‐AG‐028718 and Award Number UL1‐TR‐000039 and KL2‐TR‐000063 from the National Center for Advancing Translations Sciences (NCATS).