Abstract
BackgroundInadequate protein intake (PI), containing a sub-optimal source of essential amino acids (EAAs), and reduced appetite are contributing factors to age-related sarcopenia. The satiating effects of dietary protein per se may negatively affect energy intake (EI), thus there is a need to explore alternative strategies to facilitate PI without compromising appetite and subsequent EI.MethodsOlder women completed two experiments (EXP1 and EXP2) where they consumed either a Bar (565 kJ), a Gel (477 kJ), both rich in EAAs (7.5 g, 40% L-leucine), or nothing (Control). In EXP1, participants (n = 10, 68 ± 5 years, mean ± SD) consumed Bar, Gel or Control with appetite sensations and appetite-related hormonal responses monitored for one hour, followed by consumption of an ad libitum breakfast (ALB). In EXP2, participants (n = 11, 69 ± 5 years) ingested Bar, Gel or Control alongside an ALB.ResultsIn EXP1, EI at ALB was not different (P = 0.674) between conditions (1179 ± 566, 1254 ± 511, 1206 ± 550 kJ for the Control, Bar, and Gel respectively). However, total EI was significantly higher in the Bar and Gel compared to the Control after accounting for the energy content of the supplements (P < 0.0005). Analysis revealed significantly higher appetite Area under the Curve (AUC) (P < 0.007), a tendency for higher acylated ghrelin AUC (P = 0.087), and significantly lower pancreatic polypeptide AUC (P = 0.02) in the Control compared with the Bar and Gel. In EXP2, EI at ALB was significantly higher (P = 0.028) in the Control (1282 ± 513 kJ) compared to the Bar (1026 ± 565 kJ) and Gel (1064 ± 495 kJ). However, total EI was significantly higher in the Bar and Gel after accounting for the energy content of the supplements (P < 0.007).ConclusionsSupplementation with either the Bar or Gel increased total energy intake whether consumed one hour before or during breakfast. This may represent an effective nutritional means for addressing protein and total energy deficiencies in older women.Trial registrationClinical trial register: retrospectively registered, ISRCTN12977929 on.
Highlights
Inadequate protein intake (PI), containing a sub-optimal source of essential amino acids (EAAs), and reduced appetite are contributing factors to age-related sarcopenia
It has been suggested that current recommendations of 0.8 g.kg-1.d−1 for dietary protein should be increased to 1.0–1.6 g.kg-1.d−1 and that a higher protein threshold of at least 25–30 g protein per-meal should be encouraged in this age group to promote anabolism [8, 14,15,16,17,18,19]
Taking into account the higher frailty rates that are observed in women with lower protein intakes [29, 30], it is imperative that adequate protein intake is maintained with advancing age
Summary
Inadequate protein intake (PI), containing a sub-optimal source of essential amino acids (EAAs), and reduced appetite are contributing factors to age-related sarcopenia. The satiating effects of dietary protein per se may negatively affect energy intake (EI), there is a need to explore alternative strategies to facilitate PI without compromising appetite and subsequent EI. Sarcopenia has been recently recognised as a disease [13], while its high prevalence has brought attention towards identifying strategies that can assist older individuals in meeting their dietary needs. Protein has a known and well-established satiating effect that can compromise dietary energy intake [17, 31, 32], which adds complexity to interventions that seek to increase both energy and protein intakes
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