14th May 2020 by Vera Hoermann

Ilse Reinders, Hanneke Wijnhoven, Marjolein Visser

Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2020 Jun;37:157-167. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.02.020

As many older adults do not meet the (current and higher) recommendations, we examined the feasibility (effectiveness and appreciation) of two dietary advice strategies to increase protein intake following either an even distribution of protein consumption over the day (‘even’ strategy) or a peak in protein consumption during one meal moment (‘peak’ strategy).

Older adults aged ≥ 65 years (n=60) who live at home were randomised into one of three groups; two intervention groups (‘even’ or ‘peak’ strategy) and one control group. Over the course of four weeks, participants of both intervention groups received personalised dietary advice and protein enriched food products (such as puddings, rice pudding, coconut water and whey-protein powder) to increase their daily protein intake. The ‘even’ group was advised to consume a maximum of 20 g of protein during each meal or snack moment while the ‘peak’ group was advised to consume at least one daily meal with 35–45 g of protein.

Both intervention groups increased their protein intake after four weeks significantly compared to the control group and participants following the ‘peak’ strategy more often had at least one meal per day very high in protein (≥35 g). Both intervention groups considered the advice to increase protein as (very) clear, and most reported they would (partly) continue following the advice  to increase protein intake.

The ‘even’ and ‘peak’ dietary advice strategies were effective in increasing protein intake in four weeks and both well appreciated by community-dwelling older adults.

You can access the scientific article here