Protein Church has seen a recent surge in young worshippers, with Andrew Scott leading the services.
According to a survey by the CS Mott Children’s Hospital in Michigan, two in five Americans aged 13 to 17 reported consuming protein supplements like shakes and powders last year.
An investigation by online supermarket Ocado found that 62% of UK Z and millennials increased their protein intake last year.
On foodie Tiktok, dishes like black bean pasta, tofu-filled pasta sauce, and chickpea and cashew chocolate brownies are gaining popularity.
Cottage cheese has become a favorite due to its high protein content, with a 97% increase in demand reported by Ocado.
While young adults are focusing on consuming more protein, older adults are falling short of the recommended intake levels.
Research from the University of Birmingham in 2020 showed that older adults consume less protein than middle-aged adults.
Another study in 2020 by the University of Sheffield found that only a small percentage of adults over 65 met the daily protein recommendations.
It’s evident that while young people are increasing their protein intake, older adults are struggling to meet their protein needs.
Why middle-aged adults need more protein
Professor Elizabeth Williams from the University of Sheffield explains that protein requirements vary throughout life, with older adults needing more protein to combat reduced protein synthesis efficiency.
Other factors like muscle loss and anabolic resistance in older adults contribute to the need for higher protein intake.
Why seniors struggle to eat enough protein
Anabolic resistance and sarcopenia worsen with age, especially among less active individuals, making it crucial for seniors to consume sufficient protein.
Dr. Connor Carrey emphasizes the importance of protein intake for older adults to maintain muscle mass and functional levels.
Not consuming enough protein can lead to muscle loss and bone health issues in older adults.
Elderly individuals and those with fragile health find it challenging to meet their protein requirements.
How much protein is enough?
Protein intake is usually measured in grams per kilogram of body weight, with recommended daily amounts varying for different age groups.
For older adults, experts recommend a higher protein intake of around 1-1.2g/kg per day to support muscle health and prevent muscle loss.
Increasing protein intake through meals like eggs can help middle-aged and older adults maintain muscle mass.
How to eat enough protein for better health
Eating protein-rich foods like eggs for breakfast can help improve protein intake and support muscle health.
Experts recommend consuming 25g of protein in each meal to maintain muscle mass and overall health.
Switching to protein-rich breakfast options like eggs, yogurt, or nuts can help individuals increase their daily protein intake.
For those struggling to consume large quantities of protein, liquid sources like milk and dairy products are recommended.
Read more:
About our experts:
Professor Elizabeth Williams is a nutrition science professor at the University of Sheffield, specializing in diet-related chronic diseases and healthy aging.
Dr. Connor Carrey is a postdoctoral researcher and nutrition instructor focusing on proteins at University College Cork.
Amani Kite is a functional nutritionist specializing in intestinal, hormonal, and metabolic health.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
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