Increases in protein intake, protein distribution score, and micronutrient intakes in older adults in response to a whole food-based dietary intervention.

BACKGROUND Changes in nutrient intakes and protein distribution were analyzed in response to a whole food-based dietary intervention targeting high-protein meals in older adults. METHODS Community-dwelling older adults (n = 56; M/F, 28/28; age, 69.3 ± 4.0 years) completed a 12-week intervention after randomization to exercise only (EX, n = 19), nutrition only (NUTR, n = 16), or nutrition plus exercise (NUTR + EX, n = 21). NUTR and NUTR + EX followed a dietary intervention targeting ~ 0.4 g/kg of protein at each of breakfast, lunch and dinner. RESULTS Relative protein intake increased in NUTR (0.99 ± 0.34 to 1.43 ± 0.39 g/kg, P < 0.001) and NUTR + EX (0.90 ± 0.20 to 1.57 ± 0.49 g/kg, P < 0.001). Intakes of cholesterol, B vitamins, selenium and iodine were increased in both NUTR and NUTR + EX (P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION This dietary intervention was effective at increasing daily protein intake and achieving an even distribution pattern. Changes in micronutrient intake were marked, and reflect the increase in consumption of animal-derived protein-rich food sources.