Abstract
Ageing is associated with changes in feeding behavior. We have reported that there is suppression of energy intake three hours after whey protein drink ingestion in young, but not older, men. This study aimed to determine these effects over a time period of 9 h. Fifteen younger (27 ± 1 years, 25.8 ± 0.7 kg/m2) and 15 older (75 ± 2 years, 26.6 ± 0.8 kg/m2) healthy men were studied on three occasions on which they received, in a randomized order, a 30 g/120 kcal, 70 g/280 kcal whey-protein, or control (~2 kcal) drink. Ad-libitum energy intake (sum of breakfast, lunch, and dinner) was suppressed in a protein load responsive fashion (P = 0.001). Suppression was minimal at breakfast, substantial at lunch (~−16%, P = 0.001), no longer present by dinner, and was less in older than younger men (−3 ± 4% vs. −8 ± 4%, P = 0.027). Cumulative protein intake was increased in the younger and older men (+20% and +42%, P < 0.001). Visual analogue scale ratings of fullness were higher and desire to eat and prospective food consumption were lower after protein vs. control, and these effects were smaller in older vs. younger men (interaction effect P < 0.05). These findings support the use of whey-protein drink supplements in older people who aim to increase their protein intake without decreasing their overall energy intake.
Highlights
The number of older people with malnutrition, both under- and over-nutrition, is rising [1].Healthy ageing is associated with a reduction in appetite and food intake, including protein intake, which predisposes older people to loss of body weight and in particular, skeletal muscle mass [2,3].The latter is associated with a decrease in function and quality of life [4]
Energy intake after the drink was suppressed by whey protein compared to control, driven by the suppression of the 70 g whey protein drink
Suppression of energy intake by whey protein was less in healthy older men: −94 ± 82 kcal when compared to younger men −169 ± 100 kcal
Summary
Healthy ageing is associated with a reduction in appetite and food intake, including protein intake, which predisposes older people to loss of body weight and in particular, skeletal muscle mass [2,3]. The latter is associated with a decrease in function and quality of life [4]. A common strategy to increase energy intake and body weight in undernourished older people is the use of >25–30 g whey protein-enriched supplements [7], which may result in preserved or even. There is a lack of definitive evidence on their efficacy [12,13], especially in older adults
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