Search

In older adults, the relationship between healthy eating motivation (HEM) and protein intake as key component of a healthy diet is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigate the association of HEM with (1) total protein intake and (2) intake of different protein sources in older adults with varying functional status. In this cross-sectional study including 250 adults (&ge, 70 years), we assessed HEM with &ldquo, The Eating Motivation Survey&rdquo, and protein intake by 7-day food records. In addition, gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), energy intake and functional status were considered. Regression analyses revealed that HEM was neither related to total (&beta, = &minus, 0.02, p = 0.723) nor to relative protein intake (&beta, = 0.04, p = 0.370). Notwithstanding this, participants with stronger HEM showed lower intake of protein from meat and meat products (&beta, 0.14, p = 0.018), higher intake of overall plant-based protein (&beta, = 0.11, p = 0.032), protein from fruit and vegetables (&beta, = 0.20., p = 0.002) and from pulses, nuts an seeds (&beta, = 0.16, p = 0.016). Our findings suggest HEM as a valuable indicator for intake of distinct protein sources. However, since HEM is not related to total protein intake, the importance of sufficient protein consumption should be emphasized by promoting healthy eating, regardless of self-perceived HEM.

Nursing home (NH) residents with (risk of) malnutrition are at particular risk of low protein intake (PI). The aim of the present analysis was (1) to characterize usual PI (total amount/day (d) and meal, sources/d and meal) of NH residents with (risk of) malnutrition and (2) to evaluate the effects of an individualized nutritional intervention on usual PI. Forty residents (75% female, 85 ± 8 years) with (risk of) malnutrition and inadequate dietary intake received 6 weeks of usual care followed by 6 weeks of intervention. During the intervention phase, an additional 29 ± 11 g/d from a protein-energy drink and/or 2 protein creams were offered to compensate for individual energy and/or protein deficiencies. PI was assessed with two 3-day-weighing records in each phase and assigned to 4 meals and 12 sources. During the usual care phase, mean PI was 41 ± 10 g/d. Lunch and dinner contributed 31 ± 11% and 32 ± 9% to daily intake, respectively. Dairy products (median 9 (interquartile range 6–14) g/d), starchy foods (7 (5–10) g/d) and meat/meat products (6 (3–9) g/d) were the main protein sources in usual PI. During the intervention phase, an additional 18 ± 10 g/d were consumed. Daily PI from usual sources did not differ between usual care and intervention phase (41 ± 10 g/d vs. 42 ± 11 g/d, p = 0.434). In conclusion, daily and per meal PI were very low in NH residents with (risk of) malnutrition, highlighting the importance of adequate intervention strategies. An individualized intervention successfully increased PI without affecting protein intake from usual sources.