Editing Human nutrition (section)

==== Elderly Nutrition: Protein ====
While energy needs decrease with age, the demand for [[Protein (nutrient)|protein]] and certain nutrients actually rises to support normal bodily functions. Deficiencies in specific nutrients are also linked to [[cognitive decline]], a common issue among older adults. Reduced daily food intake in the elderly often leads to insufficient protein consumption, contributing to [[sarcopenia]], a condition marked by the loss of muscle mass. Approximately 30% of those aged 60 and above, and over 50% of individuals aged 80 and older, are affected by this condition. The inability to meet protein needs exacerbates health issues, including chronic muscle wasting and bone health deterioration, leading to functional decline and frailty.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal | last1=Kaur | first1=Damanpreet | last2=Rasane | first2=Prasad | last3=Singh | first3=Jyoti | last4=Kaur | first4=Sawinder | last5=Kumar | first5=Vikas | last6=Mahato | first6=Dipendra Kumar | last7=Dey | first7=Anirban | last8=Dhawan | first8=Kajal | last9=Kumar | first9=Sudhir | date=2019-09-25 | title=Nutritional Interventions for Elderly and Considerations for the Development of Geriatric Foods | url=http://www.eurekaselect.com/172217/article | journal=Current Aging Science | language=en | volume=12 | issue=1 | pages=15–27 | doi=10.2174/1874609812666190521110548 | pmc=6971894 | pmid=31109282}}</ref> To mitigate this, older adults are advised to evenly distribute protein intake across meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As aging diminishes the body's ability to synthesize muscle protein, consuming adequate [[essential amino acid]]s, especially [[leucine]], is crucial. A leucine intake of at least 3&nbsp;g per meal, achieved through 25-30g of high-quality protein, is necessary for effective muscle [[protein synthesis]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal | last1=Putra | first1=Christianto | last2=Konow | first2=Nicolai | last3=Gage | first3=Matthew | last4=York | first4=Catherine | last5=Mangano | first5=Kelsey | date=2021-02-26 | title=Protein Source and Muscle Health in Older Adults: A Literature Review | journal=Nutrients | language=en | volume=13 | issue=3 | pages=743 | doi=10.3390/nu13030743 | doi-access=free | issn=2072-6643 | pmc=7996767 | pmid=33652669}}</ref>

Data from the [[National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey]] III indicates that the average protein intake among the elderly is 0.9g/kg of body weight per day, with half of this intake occurring at dinner. This uneven distribution can lead to sub-optimal protein synthesis and increased use of dietary amino acids for other processes like fat storage. Therefore, evenly distributing 30&nbsp;g of protein throughout the day is recommended to enhance protein turnover and prevent muscle loss. Older adults, particularly those with [[Acute illness|acute]] or [[chronic illness]]es, may require higher protein intake, ranging from 1.2 to 1.5g/kg per day, due to a reduced [[Anabolic reaction|anabolic response]]. Some studies suggest that an intake of 1&nbsp;g/kg per day is sufficient, while others recommend 1.3 to 1.73g/kg per day for better health outcomes. Research shows that muscle mass preservation is more effectively supported by animal protein, which has a higher essential amino acid content, than by plant protein. The timing of protein intake, protein source, and amino acid content are key factors in optimizing protein absorption in the elderly.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />