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The importance of dietary protein for muscle health in inactive, hospitalized older adults
Author(s) -
ThalackerMercer Anna E.,
Drummond Micah J.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/nyas.12509
Subject(s) - muscle protein , medicine , dietary protein , gerontology , environmental health , skeletal muscle
Dietary protein and amino acids are necessary for overall human health. Insufficient protein intake induces a negative protein balance with adverse outcomes such as muscle atrophy and functional decline—outcomes that are worsened in older adults. Furthermore, during inactivity, such as bed rest/hospitalization, skeletal muscle protein synthesis is reduced, protein balance is negative, and older adults lose significant amounts of muscle. Dietary protein and amino acid supplementation (∼30 g protein and ∼3 g leucine) stimulate skeletal muscle protein anabolism in healthy, community‐dwelling older adults and may be considered as possible nutritional interventions to improve the muscle protein balance and potentially support skeletal muscle maintenance in hospitalized older adults. The following is a timely review of metabolic and dietary challenges faced by hospitalized older adults and potential dietary protein and amino acids solutions for maintaining skeletal muscle health during hospitalization‐induced inactivity in this population.