DIETARY PROTEIN INTAKE PATTERN AND SOURCES AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS WITH MUSCLE AND PHYSICAL FUNCTION MEASURES IN OLDER CHINESE ADULTS WITH SARCOPENIA IN HONG KONG

Abstract

Background: Protein intake is a major risk factor of sarcopenia. To combat sarcopenia, strategies focused on providing sufficient high quality dietary protein are required. Objectives: We aimed to identify the pattern of dietary protein intake and its association with muscle and physical functions among community-dwelling sarcopenic Chinese older adults in Hong Kong. Design: Baseline data of a randomized controlled trial in sarcopenia were analyzed. Setting: Participants who were ambulant and could travel to the assessment centre at a regional hospital in Hong Kong were recruited in nearby community elderly centers, nursing homes and other institutional settings. Participants: A total of 113 Chinese older adults aged 65 or above who had sarcopenia defined using The Asia Working Group Criteria for Sarcopenia were recruited. Measurements: Dietary data and muscle function tests were measured. Results: Although the energy intake (mean + standard deviation: 1491.7±338.6 kcal/d in female, 1738.1±392.9 kcal/d in male) was lower than the recommended daily energy requirement, protein intake averaged 1.6±0.5 g/kg body weight/day, which was high compared to the current Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA, 0.8 g/kg body weight/day for older people). Animal and plant sources contributed to 62% and 38% respectively of the total protein intake. Dietary protein intake was not evenly distributed throughout the day. Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) score was more predictive of muscle mass and functions compared to protein intake and sources. Conclusions: Our findings showed that PASE was more predictive of muscle mass and functions compared to protein intake and sources, and there was a minimal association between protein intake and muscle performance measures in our community-dwelling sacropenic older adults. The protein replete state of our study population may explain these findings. The observations that an uneven distribution of protein intake throughout a day may suggest the need to increase protein intake at breakfast among Chinese sarcopenic older adults.