Protein intake and physical function in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The present study explored cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between protein intake and physical function in older adults.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that investigated the association between protein intake and measures of physical function in older adults. Cross-sectional, case-control, and longitudinal cohort studies that investigated the association between protein intake and physical function as a primary or secondary outcome in people aged 60 + years were included. Studies published in languages other than English, Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish were excluded. Studies were retrieved from MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, CINAHL, AgeLine, and Food Science Source databases through January 31, 2022. A pooled effect size was calculated based on standard mean differences (SMD), MD, log odds ratio (OR) and Z-score..

Twenty-two cross-sectional studies examined a total of 11,332 community-dwellers, hospitalized older adults, and elite senior athletes with a mean age of approximately 75 years. The pooled analysis indicated that a protein intake higher than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) was significantly associated with higher Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores (SMD: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.99, P-value: 0.0006), faster walking speed, greater lower-limb (SMD: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.40, P-value: 0.02) and isometric handgrip strength (Z-score: 0.087, 95% CI: 0.046-0.128, P-value: 0.0001), and better balance (SMD: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.62, P-value: 0.02). Nine longitudinal studies investigated 12,424 community-dwelling and native older adults with a mean age of approximately 85 years. A protein intake higher than the current RDA was not associated with lower decline in either isometric handgrip strength (logOR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97-1.02, P-value= 0.67) or walking speed (logOR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.77-1.10, P-value= 0.35).

A protein intake higher than the RDA is cross-sectionally associated with better physical performance and greater muscle strength in older adults. However, a high consumption of proteins does not seem to prevent physical function decline over time.