FEATURE The Power of Protein


Zoe Cottrell, Registered Dietitian, Co-founder and Director of Provytl, advises on the best ways for guarding against protein deficiency in care homes.


As we age, dietary needs change, and protein increasingly plays a central role in maintaining vitality, strength and balance. As a registered dietitian specialising in the nutritional needs of the elderly, I see all too oſten the


consequences of protein deficiency on


hospital wards. Not reaching protein requirements can lead to longer recovery times, lowered immune response, and a rapid decline in independence.


Here, I will review why protein needs are oſten not met in the elderly and share advice on how to build meal plans that help residents keep doing the things they love for longer.


WHY WE NEED MORE PROTEIN AS WE AGE


A 2020 study of older adults in the UK found that less than 15% met the recommended daily protein intake for their age group. A protein deficit is common in the elderly because our bodies become less efficient at digesting protein-rich foods and absorbing the necessary nutrients. At the same time, to maintain muscle protein synthesis, our requirement for protein increases as we age.


This leads to a loss of muscle mass and strength, a condition called sarcopenia. Over time this loss of strength and increasing frailty can make everyday activities like opening a jar or standing up from a chair more difficult. Those with sarcopenia are also more likely to fall and suffer other injuries.


The good news is that we can overcome this reduced response to protein by simply consuming more of it, while keeping physical activity, to the best of one’s ability.


MEAL PLANNING ADVICE


Recent studies recommend that older adults should be consuming between 1.2-1.5g per kg of bodyweight (0.6-0.8g per pound), so a person weighing 65kg will need between 78-98g of protein a day. That’s nearly twice the current recommended daily amount (RDA) guidance for adults in general. That’s about 30g per meal, but there are additional considerations.


First, consider whether some residents will be more at risk of developing a protein deficiency due to a health condition, dietary preference, food restriction or intolerance.


Between 50-75% of care home residents experience dysphagia, meaning they have difficulty swallowing. Oſten residents will have gum or teeth problems. These individuals can benefit from high protein foods that are soſt or pureed, such as Greek yoghurt, cottage pie and fish pie.


Other considerations include the prevalence of chronic diseases. Residents with COPD, cancer or are recovering from surgery will need additional protein.


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All care homes will have the unique needs of residents to consider, but there are general tips that can be taken into account when planning meals.


Fortifying meals and snacks: Boost protein intake by incorporating additional protein into meals. Add grated cheese to dishes, milk powder to milk, or boiled eggs into salad or soups.


Understanding different protein sources:We oſten relate protein with meat, but there are many good non-meat options. Tinned fish, beans, nuts, tofu, legumes and seeds are all protein-rich foods. Aim to incorporate protein-rich sources into every meal.


“A 2020 study of older adults in the UK found that less than 15% met the recommended daily protein intake for their age group.”


Protein supplements: Residents with a low appetite may struggle to meet their protein requirements and can benefit from a good quality whey protein powder. Provytl 50+ is one specifically designed with the needs of the elderly in mind and can easily be incorporated into porridge, soups and smoothies. I like to use it in baked goods such as pancakes or banana bread.


Everyone working with elderly individuals can be on the lookout for protein deficiency, and we can do something to halt and even reverse muscle wastage and malnutrition. Find more information on protein needs as we age, including scientific references and a protein calculator for people over fiſty on our website.


www.provytl.com www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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