Researchers from Nofima, a Norwegian food research institution, and a group of Europeans working together said older consumers should increase their protein intake earlier than they think they need.
As you get older, you'll eat less for several reasons. Nofima lead researcher Oydis Uland said you may feel full faster.
We looked at what older people eat and how to improve the amount of vitamin D and protein in their diet.
The study was based on the idea that cooking at home could help consumers increase their protein intake. Other industry experts, however, advocate that food and beverage manufacturers increase the amount of protein-containing products in supermarkets.
The study found that older consumers, who prepare their own meals, prefer unflavored powders. They can be used in hot and cold dishes, sweet or savory, without changing the taste. According to the study, two neutral powders were tested: one based on soy and the other containing milk.
Older consumers can benefit from protein-rich dishes
Participants were asked to prepare a variety of dishes, including oatmeal, French toast and granola. They also had to make mashed potatoes, muffins and carrot soup, as well as use unflavored proteins in each recipe.
Bridget Benelam, a representative from the British Nutrition Foundation who was not involved in the study, said that as we age we begin to lose strength and muscle mass in a process called age-related sarcopenia.
In the long term, this could impact your health and quality of life. It can make it harder to be independent and increase your risk of falls and bone fractures.
In the study, it was found that most people are skeptical about using protein powders as a way to improve their diet. They do not feel comfortable adding an unknown powder to the food they intend to consume. Ueland said that many people prefer to consume supplements in tablet form, but adding the powder directly to food is a different experience.
Benelam said: “We have many products that contain high levels of protein, both natural and with added protein.
"Sending messages to older adults and emphasizing the importance of protein for healthy aging could raise awareness of this issue."
Food and beverage producers can benefit from a high-protein diet
Daniel Whitehead, founder of The Organic Protein Company, believes there is an opportunity for food manufacturers to help middle-aged and older people increase their protein intake.
He said middle-aged and elderly people usually don't want to overhaul their diets. They just want to eat their favorite foods without having to swallow bitter protein shakes.
It’s important for companies to focus on creating protein powders and protein-enriched foods that blend seamlessly into everyday meals. There’s no weird taste or texture. “The same great-tasting meals they love, but with an almost invisible protein boost.”
Whitehead admitted that it's also difficult to consume protein-rich products throughout the day. Many people prefer to drink a protein shake twice a day.
He argued that whey is a water-soluble protein additive with a “cleaner” taste. It also has a neutral flavor profile. Vegetarian protein powders such as pea, hemp, and rice do not dissolve well in water and tend to become “bulkier.”
Whether you’re looking to fortify existing foods or go the simpler route of protein powder, [manufacturers should] make it easy for people to get enough protein without affecting their routine or taste. Whitehead says the goal is to make healthy aging easier, without sacrificing enjoyment or time.
Source: Food Preferences and Quality
Publication date: September 2024
Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2024.105205
Authors: Geny, Alexia; Brasse, Céline; Rognsa, Guro Helgesdotter; Filin, Ludovic; Nouri, Lilia; Feyen, Valerie; Szleper, Emilie; Ueland OydisSmith, Rachel, Methven Lisa, Maître Isabelle, Van Wymelbeke Delannoy Virginie, Sulmont Rosse Claire
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