A new study reveals that adults in the United States aren’t getting enough protein.
As people get older their muscle mass and strength can weaken, and a lack of protein in their daily diet speeds up that breakdown.
Slowing down as we age could mean less energy needed by the body, and less food consumed.
Christopher A. Taylor, a Ph.D. at Ohio State University in Columbus sifted through data from thousands of adults over the age of 51, taking special notice of their protein intake.
Overall the study found that almost 50% of the oldest participants in the weren’t eating enough protein-packed foods on a regular basis. A third of them were missing 30 grams (g) of protein from their daily diet — over half of the recommended intake suggested by the U.S. government.
According to Medical News Today, a lack of protein could be a real problem: “Those below the protein intake recommendation were more likely to be limited when stooping, crouching, or kneeling, standing or sitting for long periods, walking up 10 steps, preparing meals, and walking for a quarter mile,” the study says.
Good sources of protein include beans, soy, rice and eggs.
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