Association of Low Protein Intake and Lower Physical Activity in Korean Older Adults

To examine the food consumed by older adults and their physical activity to determine which dietary components (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) are associated with physical activity and establish a respective baseline.

A total of 1,353 older adults (755 males, 598 females) were recruited from the 9th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants' physical activity and food intake were assessed.

According to the amount of protein consumed by males and females, significant differences in moderate physical activity (p = 0.047 and p = 0.007, respectively) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p = 0.026 and p = 0.027, respectively) were identified. In the unadjusted model, participants who met the recommended protein intake (odds ratio [OR] = 6.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.52, 31.35]) were more likely to have higher levels of physical activity than those who did not meet the recommended protein intake. Associations with meeting the recommended protein intake (OR = 9.73, 95% CI [1.21, 78.05]) were attenuated after adjusting (sex, age, skeletal muscle index) for covariates. Protein intake and amount of physical activity were positively correlated across all participants (r = 0.184, p < 0.05).

Older adults should consume the recommended amount of protein to increase physical activity, which improves their health. Protein intake has a positive effect on physical performance by influencing muscle mass and function of older adults.