Senior

Typically, people do not like to think or talk about getting older, and they do not look forward to the process. But there are individuals out there who are excited about their lives after 50, 60, and 70. Most likely, they are people who have taken care of their bodies over the years, and continue to exercise, eat properly, and monitor the changes in their dietary needs as they grow older.

Studies show that the protein requirement for a healthy senior is about 15% of their daily caloric intake. However, injury, illness, and surgery are all stresses that become more realistic as you grow older. If your body is harbored by one of these stressors, then your protein needs are going to increase. Protein is essential for building and maintaining body tissues, and most importantly, protein is a source of amino acids, which fuels muscles, organs, the nervous system, and the immune system.

As you get older, your metabolism begins to slow, and your chances of gaining weight become greater. Unfortunately, many of the foods that are high in quality protein are also high in saturated fat. Profect can help you fight a growing waistline. Profect is a light, low calorie protein beverage. Weighing in under three fluid ounces, it contains a full 25 grams of highly bioavailable protein with zero fat and zero carbohydrates. And with Profect's integrated Nutrient Delivery System, you can have peace of mind knowing that your body will maximally utilize the protein complex and other micronutrients.

Make your senior years your best yet. Continue to nurture your body with Profect.

Relevant Study from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The June 2001 issue of the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, revealed that the recommended dietary intake, or RDI, of protein may be inadequate to prevent sarcopenia (loss of muscle) in older people. The current RDI for those aged nineteen and older is 0.8 grams per kilogram body weight. As an example, a woman weighing 55 kg would need 44 grams protein per day to meet the RDI for protein. Previous studies of muscle maintenance (using nitrogen balance) in older individuals have shown that this may not be adequate.

In this study, ten healthy men and women aged 55 to 77 were investigated and provided with diets containing the recommended dietary intake of protein along with adequate calories to maintain their weights for fourteen weeks, while monitoring indicators of the muscle maintenance. By the 14th week of the study, mid-thigh muscle measurements had decreased compared to measurements taken during the second week of the study indicating loss of body muscle. The results suggest that the protein requirements for seniors may be greater than previously thought and that the loss of appetite that occurs with aging may exacerbate this situation. It is therefore pertinent to adopt dietary strategies to make sure adequate protein is consumed to maintain muscle mass.
Source: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 56: M373-M380, 2001.