PD156 - ADEQUATE PROTEIN INTAKE IS POSITIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH ALM AND HGS NORMALIZED BY BMI.

PD156

ADEQUATE PROTEIN INTAKE IS POSITIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH ALM AND HGS NORMALIZED BY BMI.

M. H. Alhussain^1,*, A. Alfuhaid², S. Alkahtani²

¹Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, ²Department of Exercise Physiology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Rationale: Evidence suggests that higher protein intakes (1.0–1.2 g/kg/day) are associated with improved preservation of muscle mass and strength [1, 2]. This study aimed to analyze the association of dietary protein intake with ALM and HGS normalized by BMI among middle aged men

Methods: A total of 287 men aged 51.3 ± 9.5 year participated in this cross-sectional study. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and appendicular lean mass (ALM) was calculated as the sum of lean mass in the arms and legs. Muscle strength was evaluated using handgrip strength (HGS). ALM and HGS were normalized to BMI. Protein intake (g/kg body weight) was estimated by a 24-hour dietary recall, and participants were subsequently divided into: low (<RDA), moderate (≥RDA and <1.2 g/kg), and high (≥1.2 g/kg).

Results: Higher protein intakes were associated with lower body weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, fat mass, and fat free mass. Correlations of ALM/BMI and HGS/BMI indices with protein intake level were assessed using Spearman correlation analysis. Protein intake group was significantly associated with both ALM/BMI (Spearman’s ρ =0.122; p value=0.038) and HGS/BMI (Spearman’s ρ =0.175; p value=0.003).

Image:

Conclusion: Higher protein intakes were positively associated with ALM/BMI and HGS/BMI in middle-aged adults, highlighting the importance of adequate protein for muscle health.

References:         1. Volpi, E., et al., Is the optimal level of protein intake for older adults greater than the recommended dietary allowance? Journals of gerontology series A: Biomedical sciences and medical sciences, 2013. 68(6): p. 677-681.

        2. Nunes, E.A., et al., Systematic review and meta‐analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults. Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 2022. 13(2): p. 795-810.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared