Making certain you are consuming sufficient protein in older age can forestall age-related muscle loss.

The common particular person can lose as much as 5-15 % lead physique mass each decade between 50 and 80, in line with one study.

Muscle loss can result in frailty, an elevated threat of falling, extra hospital admissions and a lack of independence.

“But it doesn’t have to be this way,” stated registered dietician and nutritionist Zoe Cottrell.

“We can combat the loss of muscle and the reduced response to protein by providing our bodies with more protein while ensuring we engage in some form of activity or exercise to whatever level you can manage,” she continued.

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“This boosts muscle protein synthesis allowing you to retain your muscle mass or even increase it, regardless of your age.”

Science exhibits the 50s is a key time to add protein to your diet. Protein is the second most abundant compound in the body, after water.

Almost half of the protein in the body is found in muscle (43 percent ) while significant proportions exist in skin (15 percent ) and blood (16 percent ).

Rob Hobson, a sports and registered nutritionist with Healthspan Elite, stated: "Protein intakes are greater for those involved in sport and this is dependent on what it is, and the degree to which it is performed. Shakes can also be a useful and convenient source of protein (try Elite All Clear Whey Protein Isolate, £43.99, 1kg pouch).

"The use of shakes isn't just reserved for sports activities folks as they could be a helpful manner to assist older folks to keep up a wholesome weight if their urge for food has diminished or if they're recovering from sickness.

"Shakes can also help to create a nutritious option for those with swallowing issues, either after surgery or with dementia. These powders can be bulked up with whole milk, cream, yoghurt, avocado and other nourishing foods to increase the amount of energy they provide. However, this should be done under the advice of a speech and language therapist”.

Rob added: "Rob continues, “Keeping fit in your 50’s and beyond/ if you’re running, hiking or doing resistance exercise then protein should be a key consideration to help maintain and build muscle mass”.

Another study confirmed by rising their consumption of protein, older folks can scale back the chance of a lack of energy and decreased mobility. As people attain older ages, they develop resistance to the constructive results of dietary protein.

Adults over 50 have a better protein requirement than youthful folks as a result of age-related decline in muscle mass (sarcopenia) and decreased effectivity of protein absorption and utilisation (anabolic resistance). 

According to the NHS, older individuals are suggested to eat protein as 1-1.5g/kg physique weight every day (ESPEN) as a result of decreased mobility, ageing, decreased immune operate and metabolic adjustments which may impair wound therapeutic and the flexibility to struggle an infection.

Zoe stated: “Working on both medical and surgical wards and often with older people who had experienced a fall, I spent a lot of time telling people the same message; as we age, we need to increase the amount of protein we consume to stay healthy.

"Many people are not aware of this increased need and that’s why we have this protein gap between what we need and what we are consuming, which is what I want to help bridge with Provytl 50+ (from £16.96, www.provytl.com) a flavourless, low calorie whey protein supplement which comes as a daily sachet, making it easy to incorporate into meals and drinks to bridge the protein gap. In fact, it’s the only evidence-based daily protein supplement specially formulated for over 50s to enhance and extend healthy, active living.”

Protein doesn’t simply help muscle mass as we age, it's also wanted to provide hormones that management levels of cholesterol, preserve bones wholesome, and assist run the digestive system and thyroid operate.

Zoe defined: "For girls, it’s notably necessary to make sure protein consumption is adequate, as our hormones fluctuate and oestrogen depletes through the menopause."

She advised: "Look for dietary supplements that comprise whey protein, a pure and full type of protein containing all 20 amino acids. Whey protein dietary supplements have excessive dietary worth and bioavailability, that means the physique absorbs it properly.

"You can estimate how many grams of protein you need each day by multiplying your weight in kilograms by 1.2-1.5. Or use a protein calculator like the one available by provotyl.com to determine if you’re eating enough.

"Other sources of protein come from meat, poultry, fish, seafood and eggs are the highest quality proteins as they comprise the entire 9 important amino acids. Plant meals reminiscent of legumes, nuts, seeds and wholegrains additionally comprise protein however many aren't full that means they're lacking a number of of the important amino acids.

"Certain proteins should be avoided such as processed meats including ham, bacon, sausages, hot dogs and salami are best avoided for good health. While they are high in protein they also contain nitrates (used to retain freshness) which can be converted into carcinogen compounds."