MEALTIME DISTRIBUTION OF PROTEIN INTAKE AND LEAN MASS AND MUSCLE STRENGTH IN NUAGE PARTICIPANTS

In addition to total intake, protein distribution across meals may affect sarcopenia. An even distribution further increased muscle protein synthesis compared to a skewed intake, in young adults. We studied whether this short-term result translates into long-term preservation of lean mass (LM) and muscle strength in healthy older adults of the NuAge study (827 men, 914 women). Outcomes were measured at baseline and 2-3-year follow-up. Protein intake was calculated from 6x24-h food recalls. Results : In men and women, LM declined by 2.5% and 2.0%, muscle strength by 20.0% and 18.2%, and mobility score by 6.5% and 7.8 % (P