Verhoging eiwitgehalte (BO-24.06-001-002)

Elderly suffer in various degrees from loss of muscle mass (i.e. sarcopenia). Because of their role as a building block in preventing sarcopenia, food proteins are thought to play a crucial role in promoting healthy ageing. Prevalence rates of protein–energy malnutrition in the elderly are high. In order to live well and remain physically independent, it is utmost important for the elderly to maintain their body protein mass. A sufficient protein supply according to their needs is therefore highly important. It is not easy for (frail) elderly to realize an increased protein intake by simply eating more, in terms of volume. In addition, elderly food consumption is thought to be driven mainly by their life long habits, and therefore it seems important that protein enriched foods fit well in the current consumption habits of elderly. Consequently, it is thought that by enriching foods that fit in their regular diet (such as bread and dairy based drinks), a higher protein intake could be achieved.

The objective of the project was to investigate the acceptance, intake, and compliance of protein enriched bread and protein enriched yoghurt drinks in elderly patients in two real life settings (short term, 3 days, in hospital, and longer term, 3 weeks, in a rehabilitation home).

Elderly patients (n=21, mean age 80 y) and clients (n=17, mean age 77 y) received protein enriched bread and protein enriched yoghurt drinks as part of their daily meals, and the control groups (n=26 in the hospital setting and n=17 in the rehabilitation home) received regular bread and yoghurt drinks.

Protein intake was measured on an individual level over 24h. Intake of total energy, other macronutrients (carbohydrate, fat), calcium and fibre were measured as well. Appreciation of the protein enriched products was measured by a questionnaire.

The daily protein intake of elderly in the hospital increased with 12.7 g per day, and although this was not significantly different between the intervention and control group, it may still be clinically relevant. The daily protein intake of elderly in rehabilitation centre in the intervention group was significantly higher (39 g/day) compared to the control group. Taste of the protein enriched products was considered good.  

This project showed that it is possible to increase protein intake in rehabilitating elderly by replacing regular bread and dairy by protein enriched products. This may contribute to maintenance of muscle mass and thereby to physical independence.