The Role of Proteins in Older Adults' Malnutrition - Introduction

As part of the Satellite Symposium at 46th ESPEN Congress on Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Milano, Italy, Prof. Phillips discusses the importance of protein, specific amino acids and the role they play in muscle mass physiology.

Presented by Dr. Jane Winter, Accredited Practising Dietitian, this presentation helps us understand the extent of Malnutrition in the community, for us to be familiar with strategies to identify and recognize Malnutrition and to understand range of interventions available.

MNA® (Mini Nutritional Assessment) is a validated nutrition screening/assessment tool to identify individuals 65 year and above who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The online resource utilises a number of questions which patients answer and provides them with a score at the end in which they can determine what category they fit into whether they have: a normal nutritional status, at risk of malnutrition or malnourished.

Li ML, Zhang F, Luo HY, Quan ZW, Wang YF, Huang LT, Wang JH. Improving sarcopenia in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of whey protein supplementation with or without resistance training. J Nutr Health Aging. 2024 Apr;28(4):100184   Results from Ten randomised control trial studies including 1154 participants, demonstrate the value of whey protein (9.6-40g per day) supplementation in adults with sarcopenia. When compared to Isocaloric placebo (PLA)/Routine consultation (RC) group, whey protein consumption significantly increased appendicular skeletal muscle mass index and muscle mass in addition to gait speed.

40 recommendations for nutritional care of older persons with dementia were developed with an emphasis on nutritional adequacy being an integral part of dementia management.

The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®) is a validated screening tool to help identify individuals over the age of 65 who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition to help determine nutritional status. This guide provides recommended nutrition interventions based on the patients' MNA® scores.

B. Komar, L. Schwingshackl, Georg Hoffmann, Effects of leucine-rich protein supplements on anthropometric parameter and muscle strength in the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis, The Journal of nutrition, health and aging, Volume 19, Issue 4, 2015, Pages 437-446   Leucine supplementation has shown to significantly increase gain in body weight (p=0.02), lean body mass (p=0.0005) and body mass index (p=0.001) compared with control groups. Furthermore, the benefit of leucine supplementation has a more profound impact on body weight and lean body mass in individuals who have pre-existing sarcopenia.

Breaking Barriers to Oral Nutritional Interventions in Older Adults with Malnutrition

A national, anonymous 33-item, online purpose-designed survey of GPs and Practice Nurses explores awareness and attitudes toward sarcopenia, and how clinicians play a role in its management. Barriers to effective implementation in primary practice are also identified and discussed.

Lee SY, Lee HJ, Lim JY. Effects of leucine-rich protein supplements in older adults with sarcopenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2022 Sep-Oct;102:104758.   Data from six randomised controlled trials including a total of 699 participants, demonstrate that the consumption of leucine-rich protein supplements (offering 3-6g leucine per day) can improve muscle strength, muscle mass and performance in sarcopenic older adults compared to a control group (P<0.001) and may be suggested as a nutritional treatment for sarcopenia.

This exciting initiative across a select range rolls out from March with full availability by August. Find out more information here. Download Resource Plus Product Information Sheet

A national, anonymous 41-question, online purpose-designed survey explores whteher older adults understand and value muscle health, tjheir avility to take action and overall knowledge and confidence to manage their health.