Higher Protein Intake Does Not Increase Lean Body Mass in Older Men

Lean Body Mass in Older Men

Regardless of whether an adult is young or old, male or female, their recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein, set by the Institute of Medicine, is the same: 0.8-g/kg/day. Many experts and national organizations recommend dietary protein intakes greater than the recommended allowance to maintain and promote muscle growth in older adults. However, few rigorous studies have evaluated whether higher protein intake among older adults provides meaningful benefit. A randomized, clinical trial conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital investigator Shalender Bhasin, MD, and colleagues has found that higher protein intake did not increase lean body mass, muscle performance, physical function or other well-being measures among older men. The results of their study are published in the April issue of JAMA Internal Medicine.

“It’s amazing how little evidence there is around how much protein we need in our diet, especially the value of high-protein intake,” said corresponding author Bhasin, director of the Research Program in Men’s Health in the Division of Aging and Metabolism at BWH. “Despite a lack of evidence, experts continue to recommend high-protein intake for older men. We wanted to test this rigorously and determine whether protein intake greater than the recommended dietary allowance is beneficial in increasing muscle mass, strength, and wellbeing.”

The clinical trial, known as the Optimizing Protein Intake in Older Men (OPTIMen) Trial, was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group trial in which men aged 65 or older were randomized to receive a diet containing 0.8-g/kg/day protein and a placebo injection; 1.3-g/kg/day protein and a placebo injection; 0.8-g/kg/day protein and a weekly injection of testosterone; or 1.3-g/kg/day protein and a weekly injection of testosterone. All participants were given prepackaged meals with individualized protein and energy contents and supplements. Seventy-eight participants completed the six-month trial.

The team found that protein intake greater than the RDA had no significant effect on lean body mass, fat mass, muscle performance, physical function, fatigue, or other well-being measures.

“Our data highlight the need for re-evaluation of the protein recommended daily allowance in older adults, especially those with frailty and chronic disease,” the authors concluded.

Reference: “Effect of Protein Intake on Lean Body Mass in Functionally Limited Older Men” by Shalender Bhasin, MB, BS; Caroline M. Apovian, MD; Thomas G. Travison, Ph.D.; Karol Pencina, Ph.D.; Lynn L. Moore, DSc; Grace Huang, MD, MS; Wayne W. Campbell, Ph.D.; Zhuoying Li, MS; Andrew S. Howland, BA; Ruo Chen, BA; Philip E. Knapp, MD; Martha R. Singer, MPH, RD; Mitali Shah, MS, RD; Kristina Secinaro, MS, RD; Richard V. Eder, BA; Kathleen Hally, BA; Haley Schram, RNP; Richelle Bearup, MPH; Yusnie M. Beleva, BA; Ashley C. McCarthy, BA; Erin Woodbury, MS; Jennifer McKinnon, MS; Geeta Fleck, BA; Thomas W. Storer, Ph.D.; Shehzad Basaria, MD; 12 March 2018, JAMA Intern Med.
DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.0008

1 Comment on "Higher Protein Intake Does Not Increase Lean Body Mass in Older Men"

  1. Hold on here folks, I have tried the Adelynn’s Miracle Beans recipe and diet every day for three years and then less often for the next three years and have seen amazing results from this high protein bean recipe. I was 62 years old when I started this bean diet and in that time I observed that my body was rebuilding itself better than at any time in my life! My muscles and erection became the strongest they ever were! I felt like a younger man! My wrinkles went away! My memory and eyesight improved! My stamula improved! Read about the posting for Adelynn’s Miracle Beans on the internet. It’s arecipe and diet plan that can remake your body perfectly!

Leave a Reply to Ron McCune Cancel reply

Email address is optional. If provided, your email will not be published or shared.