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The farming of Marsupenaeus japonicas in recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) is relatively recent; consequently, knowledge of their dietary protein requirements is still insufficient. Due to the specific ecological conditions of RAS, these systems may affect the nutritional requirements of shrimp. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the optimal protein requirement of M. japonicas in RAS. Six experimental diets were devised to contain 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, and 60% crude protein (P35, P40, P45, P50, P55, and P60, respectively) and were fed in triplicate groups of 20 shrimp (initial body weight 1.86 ± 0.01 g) at a feeding rate of 3.0% body weight per day for 56 days. At the end of the feeding period, the optimal protein requirement was estimated at 46.13% for weight gain rate, and specific growth rate with all groups exhibited high survival rates. The P45 diet increased the digestive enzyme activities, antioxidant indices, and improved intestinal morphology, while the P50 diet showed the highest intestinal microbiome diversity. The experimental results showed that diets containing higher protein seemed to have compromised the antioxidant status of shrimp and did not necessarily result in better growth. Hence, results from this study suggested that the optimal protein requirement of M. japonicas fed in RAS was determined to be 46.13%, but protein levels up to 50% can be beneficial to the intestinal microbiome diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Determination of nutrient requirements in sheep is essential to generate appropriate recommendations for dietary formulation, promoting sustainable systems. However, there is limited information regarding the energy and protein requirements of growing lambs in the Colombian highlands. Twenty-two growing lambs were enrolled in this experiment. Four lambs were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment to determine the lambs' energy and protein baseline concentration. The remaining lambs received different amounts of feed and were slaughtered to determine the energy and protein accumulation during the evaluation period. The maintenance energy was 82.3 kcal/kg BW0.75, while maintenance and gain energy efficiencies were 0.72 and 0.29, respectively. In addition, the crude protein requirement for maintenance was 1.78 g/kg BW0.75, and the nitrogen efficiency for maintenance and gain protein was 0.41 and 0.27, respectively. The maintenance requirement of energy was greater, while protein was similar to values reported in the literature; however, the efficiency of energy and protein use was lower in growing lambs. These results suggested that estimating energy and nitrogen requirements for growing lambs must be adjusted in Colombian highland conditions. Determining the nutritional requirements of lambs is necessary to formulate balanced rations and contribute to sustainable sheep production systems. However, limited information is available regarding the nutritional requirements of growing lambs in the Colombian highlands. Twenty-two Romney Marsh males were used. Initially, four lambs were slaughtered at 20 kg body weight (BW). The remaining 18 lambs were distributed into two groups, according to BW (light: 20 BW and heavy: 30 kg BW). Lambs were randomly allocated into one of three different nutritional schemes, according to voluntary intake (no restriction, and 25 and 50% restriction). All the animals received a totally mixed ration. When a voluntary-fed lamb gained 10 kg BW, the two other lambs restricted to 25 and 50% were slaughtered and dissected into components to determine protein and gross energy concentration. Energy and protein accumulation were analyzed through regression analysis. The net energy for maintenance was 82.3 kcal/kg BW0.75, while the energy efficiencies for maintenance and gain were 0.72 and 0.29, respectively. Crude protein for maintenance was 1.78 g/kg BW0.75, and the nitrogen efficiencies for maintenance and gain were 0.41 and 0.27, respectively. The maintenance requirement of energy was greater, while protein was similarly related to values reported in the literature; however, the efficiency of energy and protein use was lower in growing lambs. These results suggested that estimating energy and nitrogen requirements for growing lambs must be adjusted in Colombian highland conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Childhood stunting remains a pervasive global health issue affecting millions of children, with significant repercussions on their physical and cognitive development. Objective: This study aimed to collect information on dietary guidelines and protein recommendation specifically designed for stunted children. Methods: A systematic review was performed using several databases, including Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A literature search was conducted to collect studies on dietary guidelines (keywords: Dietary recommendation OR Dietary Guidelines AND Stunting OR Stunted OR Retarded Growth) and protein recommendation (keywords: protein AND catch-up growth AND stunting AND children OR infant) for stunted children. This review also included a narrative review for additional information. Results: A total of 12 and 9 related articles were included in this systematic review on dietary guidelines and protein intake, respectively. This systematic review shows that protein intake stands out as a critical determinant in stunting, with low intake associated with growth faltering. However, guidelines specifically tailored to manage stunting remain scarce. Current evidence suggests protein’s beneficial role in supporting linear growth, but excessive intake may contribute to obesity risk, highlighting the need for balanced recommendations. Conclusion: This review synthesizes existing knowledge on protein’s role in stunting management, emphasizing the importance of appropriate protein intake in promoting optimal growth while mitigating associated risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vivo study was conducted to determine the role of insulin-like growth factors (IGF-II) related to dietary protein utilization. For this early juvenile stage of marine false clownfish Amphiprion ocellaris, 300 numbers of 20-day-old larvae (initial body weight of 18.2±0.027 mg/fish) were used as an experimental animal. Animals were fed for 12 weeks with different dietary protein levels (35, 40, 45, 50, and 55%), using Spirulina maxima as a major protein source. Proximate compositions and amino acid profile of the formulated diet were analyzed by the standard methods. Eventually, significant (P<0.05) mean, body weight gain, absolute growth rate, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio were obtained in the fishes fed with 50% of dietary protein, whereas, poor growth performance was noticed in 35% of the dietary protein level fed juveniles. The growth-responsible gene IGF-II expression studies showed the significant upregulation in the growth of the juveniles at 2.05±0.11 for 40%, 3.13±0.20 for 45%, 4.97±0.13 for 50%, and 4.33± 0.24 for 55%, which were higher than the control group 35%. The study concluded that 50% of dietary protein level is optimal for better growth indices in clownfish; A. ocellaris juveniles and IGF-II can be used as a potential marker gene to assess the growth indices in A. ocellaris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable isotopes are routinely applied to determine the impact of factors such as aging, disease, exercise, and feeding on whole-body protein metabolism. The most common approaches to quantify whole-body protein synthesis, breakdown, and oxidation rates and net protein balance are based on the quantification of plasma amino acid kinetics. In the postabsorptive state, plasma amino acid kinetics can easily be assessed using a constant infusion of one or more stable isotope labeled amino acid tracers. In the postprandial state, there is an exogenous, dietary protein-derived amino acid flux that needs to be accounted for. To accurately quantify both endogenous as well as exogenous (protein-derived) amino acid release in the circulation, the continuous tracer infusion method should be accompanied by the ingestion of intrinsically labeled protein. However, the production of labeled protein is too expensive and labor intensive for use in more routine research studies. Alternative approaches have either assumed that 100% of exogenous amino acids are released in the circulation or applied an estimated percentage based on protein digestibility. However, such estimations can introduce large artifacts in the assessment of whole-body protein metabolism. The preferred estimation approach is based on the extrapolation of intrinsically labeled protein-derived plasma bioavailability data obtained in a similar experimental design setting. Here, we provide reference data on exogenous plasma amino acid release that can be applied to allow a more accurate routine assessment of postprandial protein metabolism. More work in this area is needed to provide a more extensive reference data set.

The importance of meal distribution of dietary protein to optimize muscle mass and body remains unclear, and the findings are intertwined with age, physical activity, and the total quantity and quality of protein consumed. The concept of meal distribution evolved from multiple discoveries about regulating protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. The most significant was the discovery of the role of the branched-chain amino acid leucine as a metabolic signal to initiate a post-meal anabolic period of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in older adults. Aging is often characterized by loss of muscle mass and function associated with a decline in protein synthesis. The age-related changes in protein synthesis and subsequent muscle atrophy were generally considered inevitable until the discovery of the unique role of leucine for the activation of the mTOR signal complex for the initiation of MPS. Clinical studies demonstrated that older adults (>60 years) require meals with at least 2.8 g of leucine (~30 g of protein) to stimulate MPS. This meal requirement for leucine is not observed in younger adults (

Determining the nutritional requirements of lambs is necessary to formulate balanced rations and contribute to sustainable sheep production systems. However, limited information is available regarding the nutritional requirements of growing lambs in the Colombian highlands. Twenty-two Romney Marsh males were used. Initially, four lambs were slaughtered at 20 kg body weight (BW). The remaining 18 lambs were distributed into two groups, according to BW (light: 20 BW and heavy: 30 kg BW). Lambs were randomly allocated into one of three different nutritional schemes, according to voluntary intake (no restriction, and 25 and 50% restriction). All the animals received a totally mixed ration. When a voluntary-fed lamb gained 10 kg BW, the two other lambs restricted to 25 and 50% were slaughtered and dissected into components to determine protein and gross energy concentration. Energy and protein accumulation were analyzed through regression analysis. The net energy for maintenance was 82.3 kcal/kg BW0.75, while the energy efficiencies for maintenance and gain were 0.72 and 0.29, respectively. Crude protein for maintenance was 1.78 g/kg BW0.75, and the nitrogen efficiencies for maintenance and gain were 0.41 and 0.27, respectively. The maintenance requirement of energy was greater, while protein was similarly related to values reported in the literature; however, the efficiency of energy and protein use was lower in growing lambs. These results suggested that estimating energy and nitrogen requirements for growing lambs must be adjusted in Colombian highland conditions.

Simple Summary: Protein in the diet is essential for the growth and health of ruminants and other animal species. Protein is also one of the most expensive components in animals' diets, and finding good protein sources can sometimes be challenging. Urea supplementation, as a non-protein nitrogen source, is often recommended for goats fed low-quality forages. In the rumen, microorganisms transform urea into microbial protein that can be assimilated by the animal. In this study, we investigated nitrogen utilization in goats fed low-quality hay supplemented with molasses blocks containing various levels of urea. The findings and discussion in this paper contribute to a better understanding of nitrogen utilization in goats using urea as a non-protein nitrogen source. The use of goats for meat production faces challenges from environmental and nutritional factors. Urea is an affordable non-protein nitrogen source commonly utilized in ruminant nutrition. The objective of this study was to investigate nitrogen utilization in goats fed low-quality hay supplemented with molasses blocks containing urea. Twenty Anglo-Nubian doelings were individually housed in metabolic cages and provided with chopped Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) hay ad libitum. Goats were randomly assigned to four urea levels (0, 2, 4, and 6%; n = 5 per treatment) in molasses blocks for a duration of 30 days. A negative nitrogen balance (−2.458 g/day) was observed in doelings consuming blocks without urea, compared with a positive balance (0.895 g/d) for those consuming the 6% urea blocks. Block nitrogen intake significantly increased with urea level, but urea supplementation did not affect dry matter (DM) or neutral detergent fiber (NDFom) intake or digestibility. A minimum crude protein (CP) requirement of 8% for maintenance in doelings consuming low-quality forage with a urea-based supplement was determined through regression analysis between CP intake (% of DM) and N balance (r2 = 0.479; p < 0.002). The value of 8% of CP obtained in this study is similar to several previous studies reported in the literature, but in this case, the increments in CP came exclusively from urea. In this study, increasing the urea content of molasses blocks up to 6% significantly increased nitrogen intake, retention, and balance in goats. These results contribute to a better understanding of nitrogen utilization in goats fed low-quality hay with urea supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei farming in clear water recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) is relatively recent, and consequently, knowledge on the shrimp dietary demands is still insufficient, particularly in the initial developmental stages. This study aimed at assessing the dietary protein requirement of whiteleg shrimp post-larvae (PL) in a clear-water recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Six microdiets were formulated to contain 34%, 44%, 49%, 54%, 58%, and 63% crude protein (P34, P44, P49, P54, P58 and P63, respectively) and were evaluated in triplicates. Whiteleg shrimp PL (3.2 mg wet weight) were reared for 21 days in a clear-water RAS at Riasearch Lda. At the end of the feeding period, the optimal protein requirement was estimated at 47.1%, 46.4%, 47.2%, and 44.0% for weight gain, relative growth rate (RGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival, respectively. PL fed the P54, P58, and P63 diets achieved significantly higher final body weights than those fed P34. PL fed P34 showed significantly lower RGR and survival and significantly higher FCR values than those fed the remaining diets, suggesting that low protein diets may not be adequate to be used in this stage of shrimp development and/or for the clear-water RAS husbandry conditions. Moreover, diet P34 seemingly reduced the overall antioxidant status of the PL when compared to P44, P49, and P54. However, the P34 diet seems to have stimulated the PL immune mechanisms when compared to P44, P49, and P54, possibly due to increased levels of fish and algae oil. Similarly, despite the good growth performances, a diet containing 63% of protein also seemed to have compromised the overall shrimp PL antioxidant status and stimulate their immune system. Shrimp fed diet P54 showed an apparent overall superior antioxidant status when compared to the remaining diets, evidencing that using protein inclusion levels up to 54% in aquafeeds not only potentiates growth performances and survival but also can potentially be beneficial to the health status of P. vannamei PL grown in a clear-water RAS. Hence, results from this study suggest that a minimum of approximately 47% of protein should be considered when tailoring microdiets for whiteleg shrimp PL grown in a clear-water RAS, but inclusion levels up to 54% can be used with benefits to the PL antioxidant status.

The use of goats for meat production faces challenges from environmental and nutritional factors. Urea is an affordable non-protein nitrogen source commonly utilized in ruminant nutrition. The objective of this study was to investigate nitrogen utilization in goats fed low-quality hay supplemented with molasses blocks containing urea. Twenty Anglo-Nubian doelings were individually housed in metabolic cages and provided with chopped Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) hay ad libitum. Goats were randomly assigned to four urea levels (0, 2, 4, and 6%; n = 5 per treatment) in molasses blocks for a duration of 30 days. A negative nitrogen balance (−2.458 g/day) was observed in doelings consuming blocks without urea, compared with a positive balance (0.895 g/d) for those consuming the 6% urea blocks. Block nitrogen intake significantly increased with urea level, but urea supplementation did not affect dry matter (DM) or neutral detergent fiber (NDFom) intake or digestibility. A minimum crude protein (CP) requirement of 8% for maintenance in doelings consuming low-quality forage with a urea-based supplement was determined through regression analysis between CP intake (% of DM) and N balance (r2 = 0.479; p < 0.002). The value of 8% of CP obtained in this study is similar to several previous studies reported in the literature, but in this case, the increments in CP came exclusively from urea. In this study, increasing the urea content of molasses blocks up to 6% significantly increased nitrogen intake, retention, and balance in goats. These results contribute to a better understanding of nitrogen utilization in goats fed low-quality hay with urea supplementation.

Background: Consensus regarding the required intake of indispensable amino acids (IDAAs) and protein (representing total AAs) in the adult is lacking. Oxidation is a major, though not exclusive, source of IDAA loss in the human body and a primary factor determining requirements; a quantitative understanding of oxidative IDAA losses is required., Objective: To develop a factorial diurnal model of total oxidative IDAA and protein losses in the adult human., Methods: A factorial diurnal model of oxidative losses of protein and each IDAA at maintenance was developed by estimating the magnitude and variability of sources of oxidative loss from existing literature: inevitable catabolism (constitutive oxidation of each absorbed dietary AA), and protein turnover in the postprandial and postabsorptive states. Total oxidative losses were calculated by summing individual losses, validated against published independent nitrogen balance data and compared to current IDAA requirements., Results: The factorial model predicted minimum oxidative total AA losses of 390±60 mg.kgBW -1 .day -1 , 59% of the EAR for protein. Inevitable AA oxidation and oxidation associated with postabsorptive protein turnover were the major sources of the oxidative loss for protein, at 40% and 44%, respectively. Summed oxidative IDAA losses ranged from 64% (isoleucine) to 91% (tryptophan) of current requirements. Total oxidative losses predicted by the model were significant predictors of actual experimental oxidative losses obtained by nitrogen balance (R 2 =0.66; p=0.049)., Conclusions: The use of a factorial model for estimation of minimum IDAA and protein oxidative losses in the adult human provides an essential starting point for an updated understanding of protein and IDAA requirements. Further iterations of the model will estimate total protein and IDAA requirements, and account for variations in dietary protein quantity and quality, as well as different populations and physiological states. Additional data, especially for inevitable oxidation in humans, and particularly with respect to individual IDAAs, are needed., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest Robert R Wolfe is a shareholder in The Amino Company, LLC, holds US patents for essential amino acid compositions, and has received grants from the National Cattleman's Beef Association., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is caused by phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency. Treatment is primarily a low-Phe diet combined with l-amino acid-based products (l-AA). Protein requirements in adults with PKU have not been directly determined. A formula with glycomacropeptide (GMP) and low phenylalanine is available, yet untested for optimal protein synthesis., Objectives: To determine the protein requirements in adults with PKU and the bioavailability of GMP-AA in the same patients using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique., Methods: Each participant was allocated to 7 separate l-AA intakes (range: 0.1-1.8 g/kg/day) in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, the same patients participated in 4 GMP-AA intakes (range: 0.1-0.9 g/kg/day). The IAAO method with l-[1- 13 C]-lysine as the indicator amino acid and its oxidation to 13 CO 2 was used as the primary indicator of protein synthesis. Protein requirements were identified with a breakpoint, and bioavailability was determined by comparing 13 CO 2 slope from GMP-AA versus l-AA., Results: Six adults with PKU (4 M: 2F) completed a total of 54 study days over the 2 experiments. The estimated average requirement (EAR) for protein was determined to be 1.11 g/kg/day (R 2  = 0.20). The bioavailability of protein from GMP-AA was determined to be 99.98%, which was high and near to 100% comparable to l-AA; although, the results apply only to the tested GMP-AA blend., Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to directly define a quantitative protein requirement and indicates that current PKU protein recommendations for adults with PKU may be underestimated. The bioavailability of protein in the GMP-AA blend was high and optimal for protein synthesis in adults with PKU., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of SSIEM.)

Background & Aims: For children and adolescents undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), adequate protein and energy intake is essential to mitigate malnutrition risk. However, little is known about optimal requirements, including adequate dietary protein intake in this population. We conducted an international benchmarking survey and a scoping review to explore current practices in determining protein requirements (PR) and examine existing evidence for PR and dietary protein intake in pediatric HSCT., Methods: Twelve pediatric oncology centers were surveyed to elicit current practices in determining PR in pediatric HSCT. A scoping review then collected sources of evidence from six databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) and grey literature (Google Scholar)., Results: Survey data revealed variable practices in determining PR for pediatric HSCT patients. Four centers (44%) used the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Nutrition Support in Pediatric Critically Ill Patient Guidelines 2009 and four (44%) used local guidelines or their national nutrient reference values (NRV). The scoping review included nineteen studies. The review highlighted a broad range of PR used in this population, ranging from 0.8 to 3.0 g/kg/d. Practices regarding the documentation and frequency of collecting protein intake data varied. Only five studies reported estimated protein requirement (EPR) status and just two studies met EPR. No clinical guidelines on PR in pediatric HSCT were identified., Conclusions: Given the existing gap in evidence, the optimal amount of protein required for children and adolescents undergoing HSCT remains unknown. To establish specific, evidence-based PR guidelines, comprehensive research is needed. Future investigations should prioritize evaluating current clinical practices, assessing the gap between actual protein intake and EPR, and understanding the relationship between protein intake, protein status, and the impact on treatment outcomes. Addressing these research priorities is crucial for bridging the current evidence gap, thereby enabling the development of enhanced and personalized nutritional support for children and adolescents undergoing HSCT., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest There are no conflicts of interest to this study., (Crown Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The present study investigated the effects of different dietary protein levels on the growth and survival of milkfish Chanos chanos for 90 days feeding trial. Milkfish with an average body weight of 10.81 ± 0.07 g were collected from the coastal zone using a manual dragnet. The study tested four diets, 10% (T1), 15% (T2), 30% (T3) and 38% (T4) of proteins containing feed with triplicates. These diets were offered to the milkfish juveniles in triplicate earthen ponds (1.5 ha). Juveniles were stocked at 10,000 ind./1.5 ha, and initially feeding rate of 10% biomass per day. The feeding rate adjusted according to fish biomass on a weekly basis. The present results showed that fishes fed 30% of proteins-containing feed have the highest weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), average daily weight gain (ADWG), survival, and the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the other treatments. The present study suggested that 30% crude protein is the optimum level for the best growth performance and for obtaining a high yield of milkfish C. chanos reared in the brackish water ponds.

Simple Summary: Prenatal nutrition can reshape an animal's developmental trajectory, with persistent long-term consequences for the progeny. In prenatal life, the effects induced by the intrauterine conditions can be expressed as changes in offspring growth and meat quality. Thus, there are diverse sources of variations that contribute to the variations reported for fetal-programming responses in beef cattle, making it difficult to interpret and apply the results. In this sense, finding a common factor among the studies with which to group them may offer an opportunity to quantify the fetal-programming effects holistically and to obtain more applicable responses. With the increasing number of publications, it is important to summarize the quantitative measurements available in the scientific literature. In the present study, data from 35 publications were used. We verified that there is a gap related to the effects of maternal nutrition to females, at the beginning of gestation, and in zebu and crossbred animals, indicating new perspectives for future fetal-programming studies. In summary, our findings highlight an association between prenatal energy and protein supply and its effects on the offspring birth weight, weaning weight, and the daily weight gain of pregnant beef cows during pregnancy. This meta-analysis aimed to identify knowledge gaps in the scientific literature on future fetal-programming studies and to investigate the factors that determine the performance of beef cows and their offspring. A dataset composed of 35 publications was used. The prenatal diet, body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) during pregnancy, and calf sex were elicited as possible modulators of the beef cows and their offspring performance. Then, the correlations between these variables and the outcomes of interest were investigated. A mixed multiple linear regression procedure was used to evaluate the relationships between the responses and all the possible explanatory variables. A knowledge gap was observed in studies focused on zebu animals, with respect to the offspring sex and the consequences of prenatal nutrition in early pregnancy. The absence of studies considering the possible effects promoted by the interactions between the different stressors' sources during pregnancy was also detected. A regression analysis showed that prenatal diets with higher levels of protein improved the ADG of pregnant beef cows and that heavier cows give birth to heavier calves. Variations in the BW at weaning were related to the BW at birth and calf sex. Therefore, this research reinforces the importance of monitoring the prenatal nutrition of beef cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Malnutrition is highly prevalent in patients with kidney failure. Since body weight does not reflect body composition, other methods are needed to determine muscle mass, often estimated by fat-free mass (FFM). Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is frequently used for monitoring body composition in patients with kidney failure. Unfortunately, BIS-derived lean tissue mass (LTM BIS ) is not suitable for comparison with FFM cutoff values for the diagnosis of malnutrition, or for calculating dietary protein requirements. Hypothetically, FFM could be derived from BIS (FFM BIS ). This study aims to compare FFM BIS and LTM BIS with computed tomography (CT) derived FFM (FFM CT ). Secondarily, we aimed to explore the impact of different methods on calculated protein requirements., Methods: CT scans of 60 patients with kidney failure stages 4-5 were analyzed at the L3 level for muscle cross-sectional area, which was converted to FFM CT . Spearman rank correlation coefficient and 95% limits of agreement were calculated to compare FFM BIS and LTM BIS with FFM CT . Protein requirements were determined based on FFM CT , FFM BIS , and adjusted body weight. Deviations over 10% were considered clinically relevant., Results: FFM CT correlated most strongly with FFM BIS (r = 0.78, P < .001), in males (r = 0.72, P < .001) and in females (r = 0.60, P < .001). A mean difference of -0.54 kg was found between FFM BIS and FFM CT (limits of agreement: -14.88 to 13.7 kg, P = .544). Between LTM BIS and FFM CT a mean difference of -12.2 kg was apparent (limits of agreement: -28.7 to 4.2 kg, P < .001). Using FFM CT as a reference, FFM BIS best predicted protein requirements. The mean difference between protein requirements according to FFM BIS and FFM CT was -0.7 ± 9.9 g in males and -0.9 ± 10.9 g in females., Conclusion: FFM BIS correlates well with FFM CT at a group level, but shows large variation within individuals. As expected, large clinically relevant differences were observed in calculated protein requirements., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The present study investigated the effects of different dietary protein levels on the growth and survival of milkfish Chanos chanos for 90 days feeding trial. Milkfish with an average body weight of 10.81 ± 0.07 g were collected from the coastal zone using a manual dragnet. The study tested four diets, 10% (T1), 15% (T2), 30% (T3) and 38% (T4) of proteins containing feed with triplicates. These diets were offered to the milkfish juveniles in triplicate earthen ponds (1.5 ha). Juveniles were stocked at 10,000 ind./1.5 ha, and initially feeding rate of 10% biomass per day. The feeding rate adjusted according to fish biomass on a weekly basis. The present results showed that fishes fed 30% of proteins-containing feed have the highest weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), average daily weight gain (ADWG), survival, and the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the other treatments. The present study suggested that 30% crude protein is the optimum level for the best growth performance and for obtaining a high yield of milkfish C. chanos reared in the brackish water ponds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Metabolic alterations in the critically ill have been studied for more than a century, but the heterogeneity of the critically ill patient population, the varying duration and severity of the acute phase of illness, and the many confounding factors have hindered progress in the field. These factors may explain why management of metabolic alterations and related conditions in critically ill patients has for many years been guided by recommendations based essentially on expert opinion. Over the last decade, a number of randomized controlled trials have been conducted, providing us with important population-level evidence that refutes several longstanding paradigms. However, between-patient variation means there is still substantial uncertainty when translating population-level evidence to individuals. A cornerstone of metabolic care is nutrition, for which there is a multifold of published guidelines that agree on many issues but disagree on others. Using a series of nine questions, we provide a review of the latest data in this field and a background to promote efforts to address the need for international consistency in recommendations related to the metabolic care of the critically ill patient. Our purpose is not to replace existing guidelines, but to comment on differences and add perspective.

This meta-analysis aimed to identify knowledge gaps in the scientific literature on future fetal-programming studies and to investigate the factors that determine the performance of beef cows and their offspring. A dataset composed of 35 publications was used. The prenatal diet, body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) during pregnancy, and calf sex were elicited as possible modulators of the beef cows and their offspring performance. Then, the correlations between these variables and the outcomes of interest were investigated. A mixed multiple linear regression procedure was used to evaluate the relationships between the responses and all the possible explanatory variables. A knowledge gap was observed in studies focused on zebu animals, with respect to the offspring sex and the consequences of prenatal nutrition in early pregnancy. The absence of studies considering the possible effects promoted by the interactions between the different stressors’ sources during pregnancy was also detected. A regression analysis showed that prenatal diets with higher levels of protein improved the ADG of pregnant beef cows and that heavier cows give birth to heavier calves. Variations in the BW at weaning were related to the BW at birth and calf sex. Therefore, this research reinforces the importance of monitoring the prenatal nutrition of beef cows.

Lifelong dietary treatment is recommended in the management of phenylketonuria (PKU). Accordingly, an increasing adult population require age-specific PKU guidelines on protein requirements to support changing metabolic demands across the lifespan. Given that protein intake for dietary management of PKU is primarily (52–80%) derived from protein substitutes, the prescribing practice of protein substitutes must be underpinned by robust evidence. Whilst dietary guidelines for PKU management is evolving to incorporate adult specific protein recommendations, the scientific evidence underpinning these guidelines is currently limited. Instead, the determination of protein requirements for people with PKU have previously been extrapolated from estimates derived from the general healthy population, based on arguably outdated nitrogen balance methodology. Furthermore, a compensatory factor of 20–40% has been incorporated to account for the reduced uptake and utilisation of the elemental amino acids contained in protein substitutes. However, research informing this compensatory factor has been conducted in younger adults, with the majority of studies in non-PKU individuals. Given extensive evidence that the muscle anabolic response to ingested protein is impaired in older vs. young adults, the validity of current dietary protein recommendations for adults and older adults with PKU has been challenged. This narrative review aims to critically evaluate the existing scientific evidence underpinning current guidelines on protein requirements for adults with PKU, highlighting existing gaps in knowledge and directions for future research. We argue that current guidelines on protein requirements need updating to optimise long-term physical and functional outcomes in older adults with PKU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable isotopes are routinely applied to determine the impact of factors such as aging, disease, exercise, and feeding on whole-body protein metabolism. The most common approaches to quantify whole-body protein synthesis, breakdown, and oxidation rates and net protein balance are based on the quantification of plasma amino acid kinetics. In the postabsorptive state, plasma amino acid kinetics can easily be assessed using a constant infusion of one or more stable isotope labeled amino acid tracers. In the postprandial state, there is an exogenous, dietary protein-derived amino acid flux that needs to be accounted for. To accurately quantify both endogenous as well as exogenous (protein-derived) amino acid release in the circulation, the continuous tracer infusion method should be accompanied by the ingestion of intrinsically labeled protein. However, the production of labeled protein is too expensive and labor intensive for use in more routine research studies. Alternative approaches have either assumed that 100% of exogenous amino acids are released in the circulation or applied an estimated percentage based on protein digestibility. However, such estimations can introduce large artifacts in the assessment of whole-body protein metabolism. The preferred estimation approach is based on the extrapolation of intrinsically labeled protein-derived plasma bioavailability data obtained in a similar experimental design setting. Here, we provide reference data on exogenous plasma amino acid release that can be applied to allow a more accurate routine assessment of postprandial protein metabolism. More work in this area is needed to provide a more extensive reference data set., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Trommelen and van Loon.)

The importance of meal distribution of dietary protein to optimize muscle mass and body remains unclear, and the findings are intertwined with age, physical activity, and the total quantity and quality of protein consumed. The concept of meal distribution evolved from multiple discoveries about regulating protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. The most significant was the discovery of the role of the branched-chain amino acid leucine as a metabolic signal to initiate a post-meal anabolic period of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in older adults. Aging is often characterized by loss of muscle mass and function associated with a decline in protein synthesis. The age-related changes in protein synthesis and subsequent muscle atrophy were generally considered inevitable until the discovery of the unique role of leucine for the activation of the mTOR signal complex for the initiation of MPS. Clinical studies demonstrated that older adults (>60 years) require meals with at least 2.8 g of leucine (~30 g of protein) to stimulate MPS. This meal requirement for leucine is not observed in younger adults (<30 years), who produce a nearly linear response of MPS in proportion to the protein content of a meal. These findings suggest that while the efficiency of dietary protein to stimulate MPS declines with aging, the capacity for MPS to respond is maintained if a meal provides adequate protein. While the meal response of MPS to total protein and leucine is established, the long-term impact on muscle mass and body composition remains less clear, at least in part, because the rate of change in muscle mass with aging is small. Because direct diet studies for meal distribution during aging are impractical, research groups have applied meal distribution and the leucine threshold to protein-sparing concepts during acute catabolic conditions such as weight loss. These studies demonstrate enhanced MPS at the first meal after an overnight fast and net sparing of lean body mass during weight loss. While the anabolic benefits of increased protein at the first meal to stimulate MPS are clear, the benefits to long-term changes in muscle mass and body composition in aging adults remain speculative., Competing Interests: DL participates on speaker’s bureaus for the National Dairy Council (NDC) and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA); he is a nutrition consultant to NCBA; and he serves on Scientific Advisory Boards for The Nutrient Institute, Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Science (IAFNS), and Herbalife., (Copyright © 2024 Layman.)

In wealthy countries, the protein intake of adults is usually considered to be adequate, and considerations of protein quality are often deemed irrelevant. The objective was to examine dietary protein intakes of adults in developed countries in the context of dietary protein quality. An analysis of NHANES population data on actual protein intakes in the United States (a developed country) demonstrated that for a dietary Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) of 100%, 11% of the adult (19-50 y) population had habitual protein intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and 22% below the Recommended Dietary Allowance. The percentage of the population with utilizable protein intakes potentially falling below the EAR increased as the assumed DIAAS declined. Analysis of the NHANES data and several other datasets also indicated that total protein intakes can be limiting or close to limiting for the elderly and some vegetarians and vegans. Here, lower dietary protein quality can potentially lead to inadequate utilizable protein intakes. For many people in specific physiological states (e.g., weight loss, endurance sports, resistance exercise) attempting to meet higher dietary protein targets often with accompanying lowered energy intakes, low dietary protein quality can lead to protein calories expressed as a proportion of total calories, falling outside what may be acceptable limits (maximum of 30% protein calories from total calories). In general, individuals within the adult population may be susceptible to macronutrient imbalance (whenever total protein intakes are high, daily energy intakes low) and for diets with lower protein quality (DIAAS <100%). Our analysis shows that dietary protein quality is relevant in mid- to high-income countries., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Protein recommendations for resistance-trained athletes are generally lower than their habitual intakes. Excess protein consumption increases the capacity to oxidize amino acids, which can attenuate post-exercise anabolism and may impact protein requirements determined by stable isotope techniques predicated on amino acid tracer oxidation. We aimed to determine the impact of an acute (5d) reduction in dietary protein intake on post-exercise anabolism in high habitual consumers using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique. Resistance trained men [n = 5; 25 ± 7 y; 73.0 ± 5.7 kg; 9.9 ± 2.9% body fat; 2.69 ± 0.38 g·kg−1·d−1 habitual protein intake) consumed a high (H; 2.2 g·kg−1·d−1) and moderate (M; 1.2 g·kg−1·d−1) protein diet while training every other day. During the High protein phase, participants consumed a 2d controlled diet prior to determining whole body phenylalanine turnover, net balance (NB), and 13CO2 excretion (F13CO2) after exercise via oral [13C]phenylalanine. During the Moderate phase, participants consumed 2.2 g protein·kg−1·d−1 for 2d prior to consuming 1.2 g protein·kg−1·d−1 for 5d. Phenylalanine metabolism was measured on days 1, 3, and 5 (M1, M3, and M5, respectively) of the moderate intake. F13CO2, the primary outcome for IAAO, was ~72 and ~55% greater on the 1st day (M1, P < 0.05) and the third day of the moderate protein diet (M3, P = 0.07), respectively, compared to the High protein trial. Compared to the High protein trial, NB was ~25% lower on the 1st day (M1, P < 0.01) and 15% lower on the third day of the moderate protein diet (M3, P = 0.09). High habitual protein consumption may bias protein requirements determined by traditional IAAO methods that use only a 2d pre-trial controlled diet. Post-exercise whole body anabolism is attenuated following a reduction in protein intake in resistance trained men and may require ~3–5d to adapt. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03845569.

Sustainable diets are proposed as a means to improve public health and food security and to reduce the impact of the food system on the environment. Guidance around sustainable diets includes a reduction of animal products in order to move towards a more plant‐based diet, meaning that plant‐originated foods are a predominant, but not the sole component of a diet. The main principles of a sustainable diet (as provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization) are to consume a variety of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, mainly as wholegrains, pulses, fruits and vegetables, with moderate amounts of eggs, dairy, poultry and fish and modest amounts of ruminant meat, which are consistent with the current UK healthy eating recommendations (e.g. Eatwell Guide). The aim of this review was twofold: (i) to discuss public health challenges associated with consumers' knowledge regarding protein sustainability, healthier protein sources and protein requirements, and (ii) to review potential approaches to facilitate the shift towards a more sustainable diet. Consumers would benefit from receiving clear guidance around how much protein is needed to meet their daily requirements. The public health message directed to a consumer could highlight that desired health outcomes, such as muscle protein synthesis and weight control, can be achieved with both sources of protein (i.e. animal and plant‐based), and that what is more important is the nature of the 'protein package'. Health promotion and education around the benefits of plant‐based protein could be one of the strategies encouraging the wider population to consider a shift towards a predominantly plant‐based diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nest predation is the dominant cause of nest failure in the tropics. However, our knowledge about tropical nest predator identity and community structure is still quite limited. On 9 January 2019, we video-recorded an Olive Sunbird (Cyanomitra olivacea) removing and flying off with an egg from an African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) nest in the East Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. This observation is surprising because the Olive Sunbird is a specialized nectarivore. Nectar, however, is a poor source of nitrogen and cannot meet the protein requirements for nectarivores. We hypothesize that bird eggs are a potential source of protein for selected long-billed sunbird species—species that can grasp and handle small bird eggs. Our observation of nest predation by an Olive Sunbird adds a heretofore unknown behavior to nectarivores in general and to sunbirds specifically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 60-d feeding trial was conducted to assess the dietary protein requirement of Indian Butter catfish, Ompok bimaculatus fingerlings. Five iso-energetic semi-purified diets were formulated with varying levels of crude protein (25–45%) and fed to the experimental fish (3.29 ± 0.01 g) twice daily at satiation level in triplicate groups. Fishes were reared in indoor tanks with a stocking density of 11 fingerlings per tank. The results showed that the growth of the fish increased significantly (P <.05) with increasing protein levels upto 35% and decreased thereafter. Highest (P <.05) weight gain (247.25 ± 5.76%), carcass protein content (16.78 ± 0.04%) and protease activity (0.46 ± 0.02) coupled with lowest FCR (1.62 ± 0.04) were observed in the fish fed with 35% protein. PER and ANPR were found to decrease with increasing dietary protein levels (P <.05). Based on the second-order polynomial regression analysis of WG, it may be concluded that the dietary protein requirement of O. bimaculatus is 36.11% with a P/E ratio of 23.11 g protein MJ−1 as indicated by the maximum growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate human nutrition depends on the ingestion of many nutrients present in the diet. Proteins are indispensable macronutrients, including the essential amino acids. A protein source can vary its nutritional quality in terms of digestibility, amino acid profile, and its bioavailability. There are several disadvantages claimed to livestock and traditional animal protein sources. Thus, in a continuous increasing world population, a current challenge is the consumption of proteins with low-cost and easily supply, meeting environmental and social aspects. Plant proteins may be a critical step for reducing animal protein dependence by humans. This critical review contributes to facilitating the choice of a plant protein source based on the amino acid composition. Additionally, this overview can give insights into the development of new food products and add value to agro-industrial wastes and by-products. Furthermore, this paper shows the wide variety of sources of plant proteins, with balanced nutritional quality and high protein content as a potential protein supply for the human population and industrial applications. A significant challenge is encountering the most suitable protein source since it depends on consumers' preferences, industrial availability, geographical location, and cultural elements. Nevertheless, it is possible to select a plant protein source comparing the essential amino acid composition of each source to the reference pattern. • New sources of proteins may be used for the animal protein substitution. • Plant proteins supply all essential amino acids and are environmentally friendly. • Protein quality refers to digestibility, amino acid profile, and bioavailability. • Plant proteins are high-quality sources for human consumption. • Agro-industrial wastes and by-products are potential sustainable protein sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world population will significantly increase by 2050, from the current seven million to more than nine million inhabitants and the highest rate of increase is expected in developing countries. The demand for animal products will follow the population growth and increase between 50 and 70%, although with differences between all regions. According nutritional recommendations, at least one third of the daily protein requirement should derived from animal proteins. Meat, fish, milk or eggs, rich essential amino acids, micronutrients and vitamins, should provide about 20g of 60g of total protein; however, the current level of intake should be reduced. In the next future, livestock sector will increase the productivity, without compromising the quality and the nutritional safety of the products, as well as the environmental protection and animal welfare. Considering the future population growth and the future food demand, different environmental implications on land use, natural non-renewable resources such as water, fossil fuels, minerals and agricultural land, and on the greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions should also be taken into consideration. Farming edible insect could be a possible solution to overcome the future population growth, the global demand for food, specifically for protein sources and the food waste reduction.

The belief that the anabolic response to feeding during postexercise recovery is transient and has an upper limit and that excess amino acids are being oxidized lacks scientific proof. Using a comprehensive quadruple isotope tracer feeding-infusion approach, we show that the ingestion of 100 g protein results in a greater and more prolonged (>12 h) anabolic response when compared to the ingestion of 25 g protein. We demonstrate a dose-response increase in dietary-protein-derived plasma amino acid availability and subsequent incorporation into muscle protein. Ingestion of a large bolus of protein further increases whole-body protein net balance, mixed-muscle, myofibrillar, muscle connective, and plasma protein synthesis rates. Protein ingestion has a negligible impact on whole-body protein breakdown rates or amino acid oxidation rates. These findings demonstrate that the magnitude and duration of the anabolic response to protein ingestion is not restricted and has previously been underestimated in vivo in humans., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests G.A.A.v.L. is an employee of FrieslandCampina. The company had no role in funding, data collection and analysis, or preparation of the manuscript. See the following pages for a full overview of career funding for J.T. and L.J.C.v.L.: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/j-trommelen and https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ljc-van-loon., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

[Objectives] A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary protein level on the growth performance,digestive enzymes activities,biochemical indexes and antioxidant ability of the bighead carp(Aristichthys nobilis).[Methods] Six diets were formulated with fish meal and soybean meal as protein sources containing graded protein levels of 20%,24%,28%,32%,36% and 40%,respectively. Fish were fed with six artificail feeds for 8 weeks.[Results] The results showed that fish fed the diet with 32% protein had the higher weight gain,specific growth ratio and feed efficiency ratio than other groups. Fish fed the diet with 28% protein had the highest protein efficiency ratio and protein retention efficiency. In addition,there were significant effects on the condition factor of bighead carp(P<0.05),but no significant differences were observed on hepatosomatic index and viscera index of bighead carp. The activity of amylase of hindgut in 28% protein group was significantly higher than that of other groups(P<0.05),however,there was no significant difference in foregut. The dietary protein level had no significant effects on lipase activities in foregut,midgut,and hindgut. The activities of protease of hindgut and midgut were firstly increased and then decreased,the highest protease acitivities in midgut were found in 28% protein group. The alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)content in 36% and 40% protein groups were significantly higher than those of other groups(P<0.05),and the glucose(GLU)content and C3 complement activities in 32% protein group were significantly higher than those of other groups(P<0.05). No significant differences were observed on serum total triglycerides content(TC),total cholesterol(TC)content and lysozyme(LZM)activities(P>0.05). The superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT)activities were significantly higher than those of other groups,but the content of malonaldehyde(MDA)was significantly lower than that of other groups.[Conclusions] The regression analysis between dietary protein level and WGR,PER of bighead carp indicates that the dietary protein requirement of bighead carp is 29.28%-32.44%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the ability to respond anabolic to dietary protein intake during illness provides important insight in the capacity of lean body mass maintenance. We applied a newly developed stable tracer approach to assess in one session in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy older adults both the minimal amount of protein intake to obtain protein anabolism (anabolic threshold) and the efficiency of dietary protein to promote protein anabolism (anabolic capacity). We studied 12 clinically and weight stable patients with moderate to very severe COPD (mean ± SE forced expiratory volume in 1 s: 36 ± 3% of predicted) and 10 healthy age-matched older adults. At 2-h intervals and in consecutive order, all participants consumed a mixture of 0.0, 0.04, 0.10 and 0.30 g hydrolyzed casein protein × kg ffm−1 × 2 h−1 and carbohydrates (2:1). We assessed whole body protein synthesis (PS), breakdown (PB), net PS (PS−PB) and net protein balance (phenylalanine (PHE) intake - PHE to tyrosine (TYR) hydroxylation) by IV primed and continuous infusion of L-[ring-2H 5 ] PHE and L-[13C 9 ,15N]-TYR. Anabolic threshold (net protein balance = 0) and capacity (slope) were determined on an individual basis from the assumed linear relationship between protein intake and net protein balance. We confirmed a linear relationship between protein intake and net protein balance for all participants (R2 range: 0.9988–1.0, p ≤ 0.0006). On average, the anabolic threshold and anabolic capacity were comparable between the groups (anabolic threshold COPD vs. healthy: 3.82 ± 0.31 vs. 4.20 ± 0.36 μmol PHE × kg ffm−1 × hr−1; anabolic capacity COPD vs. healthy: 0.952 ± 0.007 and 0.954 ± 0.004). At protein intake around the anabolic threshold (0.04 and 0.10 g protein × kg ffm−1 × 2 h−1), the increase in net PS resulted mainly from PB reduction (p < 0.0001) whereas at a higher protein intake (0.30 g protein × kg ffm−1 × 2 h−1) PS was also stimulated (p < 0.0001). The preserved anabolic threshold and capacity in clinically and weight stable COPD patients suggests no disease related anabolic resistance and/or increased protein requirements. ClinicalTrials.gov ; No. NCT01734473 ; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimum level of dietary protein on growth performance, feed utilization, survival and carcass composition of yellowfin seabream, Acanthopagrus arabicus. Five semi-purified experimental diets were formulated containing 350 (P30), 400 (P35), 450 (P40), 500 (P45) and 550 (P50) grams of protein kg-1 of dry matter. Thirty healthy fish (20.94±0.81g initial weight) were stocked in each floating net cage (1.5m x 1.5m x 1.5m), with three replicates of each treatment. The diets were fed to visual apparent satiation two times a day for a period of eight weeks. At the end of the trial, P40 appeared to have significant (P<0.05) influence on the growth performance. The percent weight gain, average daily weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) increased significantly by increasing dietary protein level from P30 to P40 (P < 0.05), and further increases in protein level (P45, P50) reduced growth. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR; 1.80±0.03) was also noted at P40 protein level. No significant (P>0.05) differences were found in the whole fish body proximate composition of protein, ash and moisture fed at different protein levels except for lipid content of fish body influenced significantly (P<0.05) by increasing protein in the diet. The second degree polynomial regression estimates that A. arabicus grows best when fed on a diet containing up to 42% protein in floating net cages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The 2007 World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization/United Nations University (WHO/FAO/UNU) recommendation for the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of additional protein during pregnancy for a gestational weight gain (GWG) of 12 kg (recalculated from a GWG of 13.8 kg) is 6.7 and 21.7 g/d in the second and the third trimester, respectively. This EAR is based on measurements of potassium accretion in high-income country (HIC) pregnant women. It is not known if low- to middle-income country, but well-nourished, pregnant women have comparable requirements. Objective We aimed to estimate total body potassium (TBK) accretion during pregnancy in Indian pregnant women, using a whole-body potassium counter (WBKC), to measure their additional protein EAR. Methods Well-nourished pregnant women (20–40 y, n  = 38, middle socioeconomic stratum) were recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy. Anthropometric, dietary, and physical activity measurements, and measurements of TBK using a WBKC, were performed at each trimester and at birth. Results The mid-trimester weight gain was 2.7 kg and 8.0 kg in the second and the third trimester, respectively, for an average 37-wk GWG of 10.7 kg and a mean birth weight of 3.0 kg. Protein accretion was 2.7 and 5.7 g/d, for an EAR of 8.2 and 18.9 g/d in the second and the third trimester, respectively. The additional protein EAR, calculated for a GWG of 12 kg, was 9.1 and 21.2 g/d in the second and the third trimester, respectively. Conclusion The additional protein requirements of well-nourished Indian pregnant women for a GWG of 12 kg in the second and third trimesters were similar to the recalculated 2007 WHO/FAO/UNU requirements for 12 kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer demand for plant protein-based products is high and expected to grow considerably in the next decade. Factors contributing to the rise in popularity of plant proteins include: (1) potential health benefits associated with increased intake of plant-based diets; (2) consumer concerns regarding adverse health effects of consuming diets high in animal protein (e.g., increased saturated fat); (3) increased consumer recognition of the need to improve the environmental sustainability of food production; (4) ethical issues regarding the treatment of animals; and (5) general consumer view of protein as a “positive” nutrient (more is better). While there are health and physical function benefits of diets higher in plant-based protein, the nutritional quality of plant proteins may be inferior in some respects relative to animal proteins. This review highlights the nutritional quality of plant proteins and strategies for wisely using them to meet amino acid requirements. In addition, a summary of studies evaluating the potential benefits of plant proteins for both health and physical function is provided. Finally, potential safety issues associated with increased intake of plant proteins are addressed.

In 2016, Campylobacter was the most commonly reported gastrointestinal bacterial pathogen in humans in the European Union with 246,307 reported cases. Of these cases, 83.6% were Campylobacter jejuni. The objective of the present study was to investigate to what extent an infection with C. jejuni alters the feed intake behavior of broiler chicks in terms of protein intake. This was done to see if, conversely, measures of control could be derived. In total, 300 commercial broilers of the Ross 308 line were allocated to four different groups, including five replications of 15 chickens each. In two groups, a conventional diet [216 g CP/kg dry matter (DM)] and in the two choice diet groups, diets with different levels of crude protein (286 and 109 g CP/kg DM, respectively) were fed between day 14 and day 42. An intake of both choice diets at a ratio of 3:2 resulted in a composition of consumed feed identical to that of the control concerning composition, energy and nutrient content. One group of each feeding concept was infected artificially with C. jejuni at day 21 by applying an oral C. jejuni-suspension containing 5.26 ± 0.08 log10 colony forming units of C. jejuni to three out of 15 chickens. No significant differences concerning C. jejuni prevalence and excretion could be seen. Broilers infected with C. jejuni chose a higher amount of the high protein choice diet in comparison to C. jejuni negative broilers. This resulted in a significantly (p < 0.0001) higher content of crude protein in the consumed diet (198 ± 3.09 g CP/kg DM and 208 ± 8.57 g CP/kg DM, respectively). Due to C. jejuni infection, a significant increase in crude mucin in excreta at day 42 was seen in experimentally infected groups (62.6 ± 4.62 g/kg DM vs. 59.6 ± 6.21 g/kg DM, respectively; p = 0.0396). There were significantly deeper crypts in infected birds (256 ± 71.6 vs. 234 ± 61.3 μm). In summary, C. jejuni infections significantly alter the feed intake behavior of broiler chickens regarding higher protein intake. Therefore, targeted manipulation of protein supply could be tested for limiting the spread of infection.

Declines in skeletal muscle mass and strength are major contributors to increased mortality, morbidity and reduced quality of life in older people. Recommended Dietary Allowances/Intakes have failed to adequately consider the protein requirements of the elderly with respect to function. The aim of this paper was to review definitions of optimal protein status and the evidence base for optimal dietary protein. Current recommended protein intakes for older people do not account for the compensatory loss of muscle mass that occurs on lower protein intakes. Older people have lower rates of protein synthesis and whole-body proteolysis in response to an anabolic stimulus (food or resistance exercise). Recommendations for the level of adequate dietary intake of protein for older people should be informed by evidence derived from functional outcomes. Randomized controlled trials report a clear benefit of increased dietary protein on lean mass gain and leg strength, particularly when combined with resistance exercise. There is good consistent evidence (level III-2 to IV) that consumption of 1.0 to 1.3 g/kg/day dietary protein combined with twice-weekly progressive resistance exercise reduces age-related muscle mass loss. Older people appear to require 1.0 to 1.3 g/kg/day dietary protein to optimize physical function, particularly whilst undertaking resistance exercise recommendations.

Introduction: In critically ill pediatric patients, optimal energy and protein intakes are associated with a decreased risk of morbidity and mortality. However, the determination of energy and protein needs is complex. The objective of this scoping review was to understand the extent and type of evidence related to the methods used to determine energy and protein needs in critically ill pediatric patients., Methods: An international expert group composed of dietitians, pediatric intensivists, a nurse, and a methodologist conducted the review, based on the Johanna Briggs Institute methodology. Two researchers searched for studies published between 2008 and 2023 in two electronic databases, screened abstracts and relevant full texts for eligibility, and extracted data., Results: A total of 39 studies were included, mostly conducted in critically ill children undergoing ventilation, to assess the accuracy of predictive equations for estimating resting energy expenditure (REE) (n = 16, 41%) and the impact of clinical factors (n = 22, 56%). They confirmed the risk of underestimation or overestimation of REE when using predictive equations, of which the Schofield equation was the least inaccurate. Apart from weight and age, which were positively correlated with REE, the impact of other factors was not always consistent. No new indirect calorimeter method used to determine protein needs has been validated., Conclusion: This scoping review highlights the need for scientific data on the methods used to measure energy expenditure and determine protein needs in critically ill children. Studies using a reference method are needed to validate an indirect calorimeter., (© 2023 The Authors. Nutrition in Clinical Practice published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.)

Populations of Black Buffalo Ictiobus niger , a broadly-distributed catostomid species native to the Mississippi River basin, are in decline, similar to many other catostomids. Artificial propagation and culture are frequently a part of native species recovery plans, and developing formulated diets is a critical component of these plans. However, studies establishing protein requirements for catostomids are limited, particularly for larger juvenile to sub-adult sizes, even though catostomids are commonly reared to these sizes. Therefore, we conducted a 10-week growth study to evaluate optimal protein levels in juvenile (age-1) Black Buffalo (mean ± SE: total length = 218.7 ± 0.8 mm, weight = 148.5 ± 1.6 g). Five practical diets were formulated to contain 30, 34, 38, 41, and 45% crude protein with each diet fed to four replicate tanks (400-L) containing 10 fish each. Fish fed a diet containing 41% crude protein had greater biomass gain (total weight gain for all fish in the tank) when compared to other diets. Individual weight gain (percent increase) was greater in fish fed diets containing 41% and 45% protein compared to lower protein diets. Results from this study suggest a diet with 41% crude protein would produce optimal growth for juvenile (age-1) Black Buffalo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an ongoing debate as to the optimal protein intake in older adults. An increasing body of experimental studies on skeletal muscle protein metabolism as well as epidemiological data suggest that protein requirements with ageing might be greater than many current dietary recommendations. Importantly, none of the intervention studies in this context specifically investigated very old individuals. Data on the fastest growing age group of the oldest old (aged 85 years and older) is very limited. In this review, we examine the current evidence on protein intake for preserving muscle mass, strength and function in older individuals, with emphasis on data in the very old. Available observational data suggest beneficial effects of a higher protein intake with physical function in the oldest old. Whilst, studies estimating protein requirements in old and very old individuals based on whole-body measurements, show no differences between these sub-populations of elderly. However, small sample sizes preclude drawing firm conclusions. Experimental studies that compared muscle protein synthetic (MPS) responses to protein ingestion in young and old adults suggest that a higher relative protein intake is required to maximally stimulate skeletal muscle MPS in the aged. Although, data on MPS responses to protein ingestion in the oldest old are currently lacking. Collectively, the data reviewed for this article support the concept that there is a close interaction of physical activity, diet, function and ageing. An attractive hypothesis is that regular physical activity may preserve and even enhance the responsiveness of ageing skeletal muscle to protein intake, until very advanced age. More research involving study participants particularly aged ≥85 years is warranted to better investigate and determine protein requirements in this specific growing population group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method estimates the protein intake required to maximize whole-body protein synthesis and identify the daily protein requirement in a variety of populations. However, it is unclear whether the greater requirements for endurance athletes previously determined by the IAAO reflect an increased demand for all or only some amino acids.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the primary rate-limiting amino acids in endurance-trained athletes after prolonged exercise, by measuring the oxidation of ingested [1-13C]phenylalanine in response to variable amino acid intake.Methods: Five endurance-trained men (means ± SDs: age, 26 ± 7 y; body weight, 66.9 ± 9.5 kg; maximal oxygen consumption, 63.3 ± 4.3 mL · kg-1 · min-1) performed 5 trials that involved 2 d of controlled diet (1.4 g protein · kg-1 · d-1) and running (10 km on day 1 and 5 km on day 2) prior to performing an acute bout of endurance exercise (20-km treadmill run) on day 3. During recovery on day 3, participants consumed test diets as 8 isocaloric hourly meals providing sufficient energy and carbohydrate but a variable amino acid intake. The test diets, consumed in random order, were deficient (BASE: 0.8 g · kg-1 · d-1) and sufficient (SUF; 1.75 g · kg-1 · d-1) amino acid diets modeled after egg protein, and BASE supplemented with branched-chain amino acids (BCAA diet; 1.03 g · kg-1 · d-1), essential amino acids (EAA diet; 1.23 g · kg-1 · d-1), or nonessential amino acids (NEAA diet; 1.75 g · kg-1 · d-1). Whole-body phenylalanine flux (Q), 13CO2 excretion (F13CO2), and phenylalanine oxidation (OX) were determined according to standard IAAO methodology.Results: There was no effect of amino acid intake on Q (P = 0.43). F13CO2 was significantly (all P < 0.01) lower than BASE for the BCAA (∼32%), EAA (∼31%), and SUF (∼36%) diet treatments. F13CO2 for the NEAA diet was ∼18% lower than for BASE (P < 0.05) but ∼28% greater than for SUF (P < 0.05). OX was similarly decreased (∼24-41%) in all conditions compared with BASE (all P < 0.05).Conclusion: Our results suggest that the BCAAs may be the primary rate-liming amino acids in the greater daily protein requirement of endurance trained men. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02628249. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Major trauma leads to increased nutritional requirements. However, little is known about the actual amount of calories and protein administered and the factors affecting the intake over time in critically ill trauma patients. Methods Prospective study including 100 trauma patients admitted to the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center intensive care unit between March 2014 and October 2014. Inclusion criteria were age > 16 y, surgery at admission, and no oral nutrition. The caloric and protein intake was recorded, and requirements were calculated daily for 28 d. The nutritional intake and the impact of clinical factors on the intake over time were assessed using mixed model analysis. Results The caloric and protein intake significantly increased over time, but the median intake did not meet the median calculated requirements at any time. Multivariable analysis revealed a smaller increase of the nutritional intake over time in patients with an injury severity score > 45, whereas penetrating injury and laparotomy were associated with a higher increase of the intake. Body mass index scores ≥ 30 kg/m 2 , traumatic brain injury, and gastrointestinal tract injuries were associated with a smaller increase of the caloric intake over time. Conclusions The median nutritional intake did not meet the median calculated requirements over time. A smaller increase of the nutritional intake over time was found in patients with a higher injury burden, whereas penetrating injury and laparotomy were associated with a higher increase of the intake. Higher body mass index scores, traumatic brain injury, and gastrointestinal tract injuries were associated with a smaller increase of the caloric intake over time. These clinical factors can help to adjust the nutritional support in critically ill trauma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the evidence behind the dietary requirement of protein and to assess the health effects of varying protein intake in healthy elderly persons in order to evaluate the evidence for an optimal protein intake. The literature search covered year 2000–2011. Prospective cohort, case–control, and intervention studies of a general healthy population in settings similar to the Nordic countries with protein intake from food-based sources were included. Out of a total of 301 abstracts, 152 full papers were identified as potentially relevant. After careful scrutiny, 23 papers were quality graded as A (highest, n=1), B (n=18), or C (n=4). The grade of evidence was classified as convincing, probable, suggestive, or inconclusive. The evidence is assessed as: probable for an estimated average requirement (EAR) of 0.66 g good-quality protein/kg body weight (BW)/day based on nitrogen balance (N-balance) studies and the subsequent recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 0.83 g good-quality protein/kg BW/day representing the minimum dietary protein needs of virtually all healthy elderly persons. Regarding the optimal level of protein related to functional outcomes like maintenance of bone mass, muscle mass, and strength, as well as for morbidity and mortality, the evidence is ranging from suggestive to inconclusive. Results from particularly prospective cohort studies suggest a safe intake of up to at least 1.2–1.5 g protein/kg BW/day or approximately 15–20 E%. Overall, many of the included prospective cohort studies were difficult to fully evaluate since results mainly were obtained by food frequency questionnaires that were flawed by underreported intakes, although some studies were ‘calibrated’ to correct for under- or over-reporting. In conclusion, the evidence is assessed as probable regarding the EAR based on N-balance studies and suggestive to inconclusive regarding an optimal protein intake higher than the estimated RDA assessed from N-balance studies, but an exact level cannot be determined. Potentially adverse effects of a protein intake exceeding 20–23 E% remain to be investigated.