Evidence-based recommendations for optimal dietary protein intake in older people: a position paper from the PROT-AGE Study Group.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Expert consensus position paper and narrative review without primary data or systematic review synthesis
PubMed 23867520 · doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2013.05.021
What was done
The European Union Geriatric Medicine Society (EUGMS), in cooperation with other scientific organizations, convened an international study group (PROT-AGE) to review age-related changes in protein metabolism, catabolic disease states, and functional decline in order to develop clinical recommendations for dietary protein intake in adults older than 65 years.
What was found
The group recommends an average daily protein intake of 1.0 to 1.2 g/kg body weight/day for healthy older adults. Intake of ≥1.2 g/kg/day is recommended for older individuals who exercise, and 1.2 to 1.5 g/kg/day for those with acute or chronic diseases. Individuals with severe kidney disease (estimated GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²) not on dialysis are noted as an exception who may need protein restriction. The abstract reports that evidence was insufficient to support specific recommendations for protein quality, timing of ingestion, or supplemental formulations.
Why it matters
This consensus statement provides widely used reference thresholds that advise older adults to consume protein above standard adult recommended dietary allowances (0.8 g/kg/day) to help preserve muscle mass and physical function.
Limits
As a consensus paper, it presents expert guidance rather than new trial data or quantitative systematic review effect estimates. The abstract notes that evidence remains inadequate to define optimal protein timing, source quality, or specific intake targets tailored to distinct sub-populations.
Cited by
- contradicts The PROT-AGE Study Group review recommended a daily protein intake of 1.5 to 2.0 g/kg for adults over 60 and concluded that animal protein is more effective than plant protein.