Association Between the Number of Meals Containing at Least 20 or 30 Grams of Protein and Muscle Mass, Strength, and...

To associate the number of meals containing at least 20 or 30 g of protein with muscle mass, strength, and functional capacity in kidney transplant patients (KTPs) and to evaluate whether these associations vary across different age groups.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 123 KTPs. Protein intake per meal was assessed using two 24-hour dietary recalls. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass was estimated via bioimpedance, and the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index was calculated. Muscle strength was assessed through handgrip strength and the five-times sit-to-stand test. Functional capacity was evaluated using the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and the 4-m walking test. Subanalyses were performed according to age groups (≥ 50 and < 50 years).

In the total sample and among younger individuals, no associations were observed between the number of meals containing 20 or 30 g of protein and muscle mass, strength, or functional capacity. However, among older individuals, the number of meals containing at least 30 g of protein was negatively associated with the time to complete the five-times sit-to-stand test (Beta = -0.446; P = .023) and positively associated with the SPPB score (Beta = 0.421; P = .037). In contrast, the number of meals containing at least 20 g of protein showed no significant associations with these parameters in older individuals.

The number of meals containing at least 30 g of protein is associated with greater muscle strength and functional capacity specifically in older KTPs.