Dietary Protein Intake Research Articles

Dietary Protein Consumption Pattern in Hyperphosphatemia Management Among Haemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya

Poor nutrition status in haemodialysis patients is associated with high mortality rates. A low phosphorus diet is likely to compromise dietary protein intake and nutrition status in this population. This study evaluated dietary protein consumption pattern and nutrition status among forty out-patient haemodialysis patients from Renal Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital using cross-sectional study. The Chi-square test and Kruskal‒Wallis H test were used to determine relationship between variables. More than half (58%) of the patients were male. Study participants had a mean age of 45.4±14.7 years with the majority (40%) between 40-59 years. More than three quarters (88%) had poor nutrition status with more than a third (38%) severely undernourished. More than half of the patients (53%) had dialysed for a period of more than one year. Most of study participants consumed only five types of legumes. Yellow bean, butterfly Kenyan kidney bean, butterfly haricot bean, red kidney bean and green lentil were commonly consumed legumes; 2-4 times per week by 45%, 23%, 23%, 8% and 15% of the patients respectively. Beef was the most consumed animal protein by more than half (53%) of the patients in 2-4 times a week. Second most consumed animal protein was egg white at least 2-3 times a week. Majority of the patients (58%) had poor knowledge scores (<50 % score) on food phosphorus reduction food preparation procedures in protein rich foods. This study found high prevalence of poor nutrition status and inadequate consumption of dietary protein among haemodialysis patients. This study recommends nutrition education and counseling on locally available dietary proteins and their preparation in order to meet dietary protein requirements without risk of hyperphosphatemia

Animal and plant protein intake association with mental health, tryptophan metabolites pathways, and gut microbiota in healthy women: a cross-sectional study

Mental health is affected by tryptophane (TRP) metabolism regulation. Diet-influenced gut microbiome regulates TRP metabolism. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the relationship between type of dietary protein intake, gut microbiota, TRP metabolites homeostasis, and mental well-being in healthy women. 91 healthy females aged 18–50 were recruited based on the study protocol. Validate and reliable questionnaires assessed dietary intake and mental health. Biochemical tests and gut microbiota composition were analyzed following the manufacturer’s instructions for each enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) kit and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods respectively. Regression methods were used to estimate the considered associations. The results show that in the fully adjusted model, plant protein consumption was partially inversely associated with depression risk (OR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.06, 1.09; P = 0.06). Higher dietary animal protein intake was marginally associated with psychological distress (OR = 2.59; 95% CI: 0.91, 7.34; P = 0.07). KYN to serotonin ratio was inversely associated with animal protein consumption (ß = 1.10; 95% CI: -0.13, 2.33; P = 0.07). Firmicutes/Bacteriodetes ratio (β = -1.27 × 103, SE = 5.99 × 102, P = 0.03) was lower in the top tertile of plant protein. A partially negative correlation was found between dietary animal protein and Prevotella abundance (β = -9.20 × 1018, SE = 5.04 × 1018, P = 0.06). Overall, significant inverse associations were found between a diet high in plant protein with mental disorders, KYN levels, and Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio while adhering to higher animal protein could predispose women to psychological stress.

Improved qualities of cod-rice dual-protein gel as affected by rice protein: Insight into molecular flexibility, protein interaction and gel properties

Blending plant-based proteins with animal-based proteins to achieve adequate dietary protein intake is a strategy to address dietary deficiencies in the elderly. This research systematically investigated the effect of the ratio of cod protein/rice protein (21:0, 21:1.5, 21:3, 21:4.5, 21:6, 21:7.5, and 21:9) on the gelation properties of dual-protein gels and the underlying dual-protein interaction mechanisms. The results indicated that the myosin heavy chain (MHC) of cod and the glutelin in rice protein are primarily linked by hydrogen bonds, particularly involving Tyr residues, as evidenced by molecular docking and fluorescence quenching results. The addition of rice protein in cod protein promoted α-helix transforming into β-sheet, β-turn and random coil of the original protein solution, which was significantly correlated with molecule flexibility increasing. The decrease in the dual-protein particle size, and rice protein uniformly distributed in a cod protein-based gel network, which promoted the compactness and density of the gel structure. It was found that the hardness and springiness of 21:6 cod-rice protein gel increased by 73.96% and 17.28% compared to single cod gel, respectively. This study provides theoretical basis to the mechanism of dual-protein interaction affecting gel properties from the molecular level.

Dietary protein intake and the tubular handling of indoxyl sulfate.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are advised to limit their protein intake. A high protein diet is known to induce glomerular hyperfiltration, as well as hypertrophy of the remnant kidney, and glomerulosclerosis. Whether the diet causes changes in kidney tubule transport via gut microbiome metabolites is still unknown. We hypothesized that protein intake affects not only the intestinal generation and absorption, but also the kidney disposal of microbial amino acid metabolites. We combined data from animal models and human studies. 5/6th nephrectomy rats were administered a high (HP) or low-protein (LP) diet for 7 weeks. Plasma and urine concentration of the uremic toxins (UTs) indoxyl sulfate (IS), p-cresyl sulfate (PCS), and p-cresyl glucuronide (PCG) were measured. Their fractional excretion (FE) was calculated. The expression of kidney membrane transporters OAT1, OAT3, BCRP, OCT2 and MRP4 was analyzed. Differences in FE of UTs between individuals with higher and lower protein intake in two CKD cohorts were sought. CKD rats on an HP diet showed increased plasma levels of PCS and PCG but not IS compared to rats on a LP diet. Conversely, urinary excretion and FE of IS were higher in the HP CKD group. BCRP, MRP4 and OCT2 were not influenced by the diet. OAT1 and OAT3 were upregulated in the HP CKD group. In two independent cohorts of CKD patients, individuals with a high dietary protein intake showed a significantly higher FE of IS. A HP diet leads to a higher generation and/or absorption of aminoacid-derived UT precursors in CKD rodent models and humans, most likely via gut microbiome modulation. We demonstrate that dietary protein intake modulates transcription and expression of OAT1 and OAT3, corroborating the existence of the remote sensing and signaling hypothesis. Dietary protein intake influences kidney physiology beyond glomerular filtration.

Age-related differences in dietary protein intake in the protein-I study

Age-related differences in dietary protein intake in the protein-I study

The Independent and Additive Associations of Dietary Fiber and Protein Intake on Cardio-metabolic Health Indices and All-cause Mortality

The Independent and Additive Associations of Dietary Fiber and Protein Intake on Cardio-metabolic Health Indices and All-cause Mortality

Introducing menus of three weekly insect- or plant-based dinner meals slightly reduced meat consumption in Danish families: Results of a randomized intervention study

The environmental concerns associated with excess meat consumption have emphasized the need for sustainable alternatives. Edible insects offer a promising alternative due to their environmental efficiency and nutritious profile, but their widespread adoption in Western diets remains a challenge. The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of exposing families (parents and children) to insect-based or plant-based dinner menus on dietary pattern, meat intake, and protein intake over a six-week intervention period. The study was a two-arm randomized equivalence trial comparing an insect-based menu to a plant-based control. Families received either an insect or plant-based menu to replace meat in dinner meals three times a week for six weeks, aiming to replace 20% of their meat protein intake. Dietary changes were assessed through dietary registrations and daily questionnaires. Both adults and children maintained their estimated daily total protein intake, while reducing daily meat protein intake. Neither group met the 20% weekly meat replacement goal. In the insect-based menu group, adults and children reached an average 5.5% and 2.3% weekly meat replacement, respectively. In the plant-based menu group, adults and children replaced 9.0% and 4.3%, respectively. Meat attachment had an effect on meat protein intake. The menus slightly reduced meat protein intake. The weekly frequency of meat meals slightly declined, but portions remained the same. By enhancing insect and plant-based food quality and understanding consumer behavior, insect- and plant-based products have the potential to be a complementary alternative in a sustainable dietary transition without sacrificing nutrition. Clinical trial registryClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05156853; clinicaltrials. gov/study/NCT05156853.

To evaluate dietary protein intake as per recommended dietary allowance (RDA 2020) and correlate it with the malnutrition universal screening tool score (must) in urban Indians aged 40-60 years.

To evaluate dietary protein intake as per recommended dietary allowance (RDA 2020) and correlate it with the malnutrition universal screening tool score (must) in urban Indians aged 40-60 years.

Plant-Based Dietary Protein Intake Is Associated With Lower Metabolic Syndrome Risk In Division III Female Athletes

Plant-Based Dietary Protein Intake Is Associated With Lower Metabolic Syndrome Risk In Division III Female Athletes

Nutrition and Osteoporosis Prevention.

Osteoporosis affects 50% of women and 20% of men after the age of 50. Fractures are associated with significant morbidity, increased mortality and altered quality of life. Lifestyle measures for fragility fracture prevention include good nutrition including adequate protein and calcium intakes, vitamin D sufficiency, and regular weight bearing physical exercise. Dietary protein is one of the most important nutritional considerations as it affects bone mineral density, trabecular and cortical microstructure, and bone strength. When calcium intake is sufficient, higher dietary protein intake is associated with lower risk of fracture. Dairy products are a valuable source of calcium and high quality protein. Dairy product consumption, particularly fermented dairy products, are associated with a lower risk of hip fracture and vegan diets are associated with increased fracture risk. Other dietary factors associated with reduced fracture risk include at least 5 servings per day of fruits and vegetables, regular tea drinking, adherence to a Mediterranean diet and other dietary patterns which provide fibers, polyphenols and fermented dairy products. Such dietary patterns may confer health benefits through their effect on gut microbiota composition and/or function. A balanced diet including minerals, protein, fruits and vegetables is an important element in the prevention of osteoporosis and of fragility fracture.

Apparent Saturation of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Catabolism After High Dietary Milk Protein Intake in Healthy Adults

Abstract Context Milk protein contains high concentrations of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) that play a critical role in anabolism and are implicated in the onset of obesity and chronic disease. Characterizing BCAA catabolism in the postprandial phase could elucidate the impact of protein intake on obesity risk established in the “early protein hypothesis.” Objective To examine the acute effects of protein content of young child formulas as test meals on BCAA catabolism, observing postprandial plasma concentrations of BCAA in relation to their degradation products. Methods The TOMI Add-On Study is a randomized, double-blind crossover study in which 27 healthy adults consumed 2 isocaloric young child formulas with alternating higher (HP) and lower (LP) protein and fat content as test meals during separate interventions, while 9 blood samples were obtained over 5 hours. BCAA, branched-chain α-keto acids (BCKA), and acylcarnitines were analyzed using a fully targeted HPLC-ESI-MS/MS approach. Results Mean concentrations of BCAA, BCKA, and acylcarnitines were significantly higher after HP than LP over the 5 postprandial hours, except for the BCKA α-ketoisovalerate (KIVA). The latter metabolite showed higher postprandial concentrations after LP. With increasing mean concentrations of BCAA, concentrations of corresponding BCKA, acylcarnitines, and urea increased until a breakpoint was reached, after which concentrations of degradation products decreased (for all metabolites except valine and KIVA and Carn C4:0-iso). Conclusion BCAA catabolism is markedly influenced by protein content of the test meal. We present novel evidence for the apparent saturation of the BCAA degradation pathway in the acute postprandial phase up to 5 hours after consumption.

A Systematic Review of the Effect of Gene-Lifestyle Interactions on Metabolic-Disease-Related Traits in South Asian Populations.

Recent data from the South Asian subregion have raised concern about the dramatic increase in the prevalence of metabolic diseases, which are influenced by genetic and lifestyle factors. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the contemporary evidence for the effect of gene-lifestyle interactions on metabolic outcomes in this population. PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases were searched up until March 2023 for observational and intervention studies investigating the interaction between genetic variants and lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity on obesity and type 2 diabetes traits. Of the 14 783 publications extracted, 15 were deemed eligible for inclusion in this study. Data extraction was carried out independently by 3 investigators. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS), the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I), and the methodological quality score for nutrigenetics studies. Using a narrative synthesis approach, the findings were presented in textual and tabular format. Together, studies from India (n = 8), Pakistan (n = 3), Sri Lanka (n = 1), and the South Asian diaspora in Singapore and Canada (n = 3) reported 543 gene-lifestyle interactions, of which 132 (∼24%) were statistically significant. These results were related to the effects of the interaction of genetic factors with physical inactivity, poor sleep habits, smoking, and dietary intake of carbohydrates, protein, and fat on the risk of metabolic disease in this population. The findings of this systematic review provide evidence of gene-lifestyle interactions impacting metabolic traits within the South Asian population. However, the lack of replication and correction for multiple testing and the small sample size of the included studies may limit the conclusiveness of the evidence. Note, this paper is part of the Nutrition Reviews Special Collection on Precision Nutrition. PROSPERO registration No. CRD42023402408.

Dietary protein intake and its association with physical fitness test among older adults with pre-sarcopenia and sarcopenia: A cross-sectional study.

Low protein intake and physical inactivity are factors that associated with muscle deterioration and poor physical performance among older adults. To assess the association between dietary protein intake and physical fitness tests among older adults with pre-sarcopenia and sarcopenia. A total of 110 older adults were recruited through a convenience sampling method. Data including sociodemography, anthropometry, body composition, medical history, and dietary protein intake were obtained through the interview-administered method. Most of the subjects have low household income (<RM 3030) (90%), Malay ethnicity (66.4%), and are married (64.5%). 74.55% of the subjects were pre-sarcopenic, whereas 25.45% were sarcopenic. Those with sarcopenia were mostly underweight (± 21.78 kg/m2), whereas those with pre-sarcopenia had a slightly higher Body Mass Index (BMI) (± 27.30 kg/m2). Both men and women did not meet the dietary protein requirement (± 43.86 g/ day) based on the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) of 2017. Moreover, both pre-sarcopenic and sarcopenic subjects have reduced functional ability. Although no significant differences were found in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, those with sarcopenia had poorer physical performance than those with pre-sarcopenia (82.1% versus 69.5%). Apart from that, there was a significant association between the 2-min step test (2MST) and dietary protein intake among those with pre-sarcopenia (r-value = 0.252). In conclusion, lifestyle interventions among older adults are important, including ensuring adequate protein intake and encouraging appropriate physical activity to enhance muscle mass, strength, and performance to improve their daily life efficiency and quality of life.

Dietary protein defends lean mass and maintains the metabolic benefits of glucagon receptor agonism in mice

ObjectiveGlucagon has long been proposed as a component of multi-agonist obesity therapeutics due to its ability to induce energy expenditure and cause weight loss. However, chronic glucagon-receptor agonism has been associated with a reduction in circulating amino acids and loss of lean mass. Importantly, it is currently not known whether the metabolic benefits of glucagon can be maintained under contexts that allow the defence of lean mass. MethodsWe investigate the metabolic effects of the long-acting glucagon receptor agonist, G108, when administered to obese mice at low-doses, and with dietary protein supplementation. ResultsDietary protein supplementation can only fully defend lean mass at a low dose of G108 that is sub-anorectic and does not reduce fat mass. However, in this context, G108 is still highly effective at improving glucose tolerance and reducing liver fat in obese mice. Mechanistically, liver RNA-Seq analysis reveals that dietary protein supplementation defends anabolic processes in low-dose G108-treated mice, and its effects on treatment-relevant glucose and lipid pathways are preserved. ConclusionGlucagon-mediated energy expenditure and weight loss may be mechanistically coupled to hypoaminocidemia and lean mass loss. However, our data suggest that glucagon can treat MAFLD at doses which allow full defence of lean mass given sufficient dietary protein intake. Therefore, proportionate glucagon therapy may be safe and effective in targeting hepatocytes and improving in glycaemia and liver fat.

Context-dependent impact of the dietary non-essential amino acid tyrosine on Drosophila physiology and longevity.

Dietary protein intake modulates growth, reproduction, and longevity by stimulating amino acid (AA)-sensing pathways. Essential AAs are often considered as limiting nutrients during protein scarcity, and the role of dietary non-essential AAs (NEAAs) is less explored. Although tyrosine has been reported to be crucial for sensing protein restriction in Drosophila larvae, its effect on adult physiology and longevity remains unclear. Here, using a synthetic diet, we perform a systematic investigation of the effect of single NEAA deprivation on nutrient-sensing pathways, reproductive ability, starvation resistance, feeding behavior, and life span in adult female flies. Specifically, dietary tyrosine deprivation decreases internal tyrosine levels and fecundity, influences AA-sensing machineries, and extends life span. These nutritional responses are not observed under higher total AA intake or in infertile female flies, suggesting a context-dependent influence of dietary tyrosine. Our findings highlight the unique role of tyrosine as a potentially limiting nutrient, underscoring its value for dietary interventions aimed at enhancing health span.

Estimating Dietary Protein and Sodium Intake with Sodium Removal in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

An increase in dietary protein intake (DPI) carries a risk with respect to increased sodium intake, which further leads to the development of cardiovascular morbidity in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Dialytic (DSR) and urinary sodium removal (USR) are potential indicators of sodium intake. In this single-center cross-sectional study with 60 prevalent PD patients, we analyze the correlation of DPI with sodium intake and the association between residual renal function (RRF) and comorbidity grade, expressed as the Davies score with sodium removal and protein metabolism indices such as normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) and lean body mass (LBM). The value of RRF < 2 mL/min/1.73 m2 is significantly associated with lower USR (p = 0.000) and lower %LBM (p < 0.001). The greatest USR is detected in patients with low Davies comorbidity grade (p = 0.018). Compared to patients with DPI < 0.8 g/kg/day, patients with DPI > 0.8 g/kg/day have a greater sodium intake (3.69 ± 0.71 vs. 2.94 ± 0.86; p < 0.018) and a greater nPCR (p < 0.001). Protein intake is significantly correlated with sodium intake (p = 0.041), but not with total sodium removal (TSR). A strong correlation is observed between sodium intake and TSR (p = 0.000), although single TSR values are not the same as the corresponding sodium intake values. An increasing protein intake implies the necessity to determine both sodium intake and sodium removal. Preservation of RRF has a beneficial role not just in sodium removal, but also in the increase of LBM.

Association between objectively measured protein intake and muscle status, health-related quality of life, and mortality in hemodialysis patients

Protein intake is known to be associated with muscle mass, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and mortality in patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. However, most studies evaluated protein intake based on 24h dietary recall or food frequency questionnaire, and these methods are prone to bias. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association of objectively measured protein intake with muscle mass and strength, HRQoL, and mortality. Dietary protein intake was calculated based on the combined (urinary and dialysate) urea excretion rate according to the Maroni formula and indexed to body weight. Muscle mass was calculated based on the combined dialysate and urinary creatinine excretion rate, and muscle strength was assessed by handgrip strength. HRQoL was based on the Short Form 36. Linear and Cox regression were used for the analyses. We included 59 hemodialysis patients (mean age 65±15 years, 37% female, median hemodialysis vintage 15 [6-39] months). Mean protein intake was 0.82±0.23g/kg/day, and 76% had a low protein intake (<1.0g/kg/day). Higher protein intake was independently associated with higher muscle mass (Standardized beta (St. β) [95% confidence interval (95%CI)=0.56 [0.34 to 0.78]) and higher scores on the physical functioning domain of HRQoL (St. β [95%CI]=0.49 [0.25 to 0.73]), but not with muscle strength (St. β [95%CI]=0.17 [-0.10 to 0.43]). During a median follow-up of 21.6 [8.6-36.6] months, 16 (27.1%) patients died. Higher protein intake was associated with lower mortality risk (hazard ratio [95%CI]=0.34 [0.16-0.73]). This association remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders. Protein intake is independently associated with muscle mass, physical functioning domain of HRQOL, and mortality. Clinicians and dietitians should closely monitor the protein intake of hemodialysis patients.

Associations of serum arginine acid with sarcopenia in Chinese eldely women

BackgroundThe prevalence of sarcopenia is increasing in worldwide with accelerated aging process. The high dietary protein intakes are associated with improved muscle mass and strength especially in Asian countries. However, there are few researches on amino acid levels or mechanism exploration. We conducted a case-control study to explore the amino acid metabolic characteristics and potential mechanism of elderly women with sarcopenia using targeted amino acid metabolomics approach combined with an analysis of dietary intake.MethodsFor our case-control study, we recruited women (65–75 y) from a Shanghai community with 50 patients with sarcopenia and 50 healthy controls. The consensus updated by the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia in 2019 was used to screening for sarcopenia and control groups. We collected fasting blood samples and evaluated dietary intake. We used the amino acid-targeted metabolomics by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to identify metabolic differentials between the case and control groups and significantly enriched metabolic pathways.ResultsThe case (sarcopenia) group had a lower intake of energy, protein, and high-quality protein (P < 0.05) compared to the control (healthy) group. We identified four differential amino acids: arginine (P < 0.001) and cystine (P = 0.003) were lower, and taurine (P = 0.001) were higher in the case group.ConclusionLow levels of arginine in elderly women are associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia.

Effect of an intensive nutrition intervention of a high protein and low glycemic load diet on weight of kidney transplant recipients: a randomized clinical trial.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a high protein and low glycemic load diet in preventing weight gain after kidney transplantation. We designed a prospective, single-center, open-label, randomized controlled study to compare the efficacy of a high protein (1.3-1.4 g/kg/day) and low glycemic load diet versus a conventional diet (0.8-1.0 g/kg/day of protein and no recommendations on glycemic load) in preventing weight gain (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02883777). A total of 120 patients were evaluated. Patients were followed for 12 months, and the primary outcome was weight maintenance or weight gain lower than 5%. There were no differences in total energy intake, carbohydrates, and total fats between groups. Intervention group (IG) increased protein intake to 1.38 ± 0.56 g/kg/day and decreased the glycemic load to 87.27 ± 4.54 g/day, while control group (CG) had a dietary protein intake of 1.19 ± 0.43 g/kg/day and a glycemic load of 115.60 ± 7.01 g/day. Total fiber intake was greater and trans-fat was lower in IG. Dietetic cholesterol increased in IG over time and was significantly different between groups. Overall, patients had an increase in body weight over time, with a mean increment of 4.1 ± 5.5 kg (5.75%). The percentage of patients who achieved the primary outcome was 50% of sample size, without differences between groups. The glomerular filtration rate improved over time in both groups. Considering 24-h proteinuria and albuminuria, a similar rise was observed in both groups. The present dietary intervention was safe, but had no effect on weight gain in kidney transplant subjects. Our findings suggest that other strategies, including alternative dietary and/or pharmacological and psychological interventions might be tested in randomized control trials in order to improve patients' body weight outcomes after transplant.

Dietary Protein and Physical Exercise for the Treatment of Sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is a multifactorial age-related disorder that causes a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and function, leading to alteration of movement, risk of falls, and hospitalization. This article aims to review recent findings on the factors underlying sarcopenia and the strategies required to delay and counteract its symptoms. We focus on molecular factors linked to ageing, on the role of low-grade chronic and acute inflammatory conditions such as cancer, which contributes to the onset of sarcopenia, and on the clinical criteria for its diagnosis. The use of drugs against sarcopenia is still subject to debate, and the suggested approaches to restore muscle health are based on adequate dietary protein intake and physical exercise. We also highlight the difference in the amount and quality of amino acids within animal- and plant-based diets, as studies have often shown varying results regarding their effect on sarcopenia in elderly people. In addition, many studies have reported that non-pharmacological approaches, such as an optimization of dietary protein intake and training programs based on resistance exercise, can be effective in preventing and delaying sarcopenia. These approaches not only improve the maintenance of skeletal muscle function, but also reduce health care costs and improve life expectancy and quality in elderly people.