Assessment of Dietary Protein Needs of Older Women

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to evaluate dietary protein requirements in elderly women aged 80 years and older using the indicator amino acid oxidation technique. Hypothesis to be tested: Protein requirement for elderly women is higher than the estimated average requirement of 0.66 g∙kg-1∙d-1 protein. The recommended protein intake for elderly women is higher than the recommended dietary allowance of 0.80 g∙kg-1∙d-1 protein.

Detailed Description
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There is currently considerable debate regarding the accuracy of the estimated average requirement (EAR) and the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for older people. Very limited data obtained from older individuals are available to support the assumption that age does not affect protein requirement. Existing method like nitrogen balance has inherent limitations that diminish it from being considered a reference method. Indicator amino acid oxidation technique is emerging as an alternative method to measure dietary protein requirement. It is more accurate and less demanding. The current study will be the first time this technique is used with elderly adults and will provide an important foundation for geriatric nutrition research.

Official Title
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Assessment of Dietary Protein Needs of Older Women

Conditions
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Protein-energy; Imbalance

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: dietary control


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Female Age range: 80 yrs and older Body mass index between 22-30 Weight stable 4.5 kg weight gain or loss within the last 6 month Non-smoking within the last 6 month Ambulatory Clinically normal blood profiles within 10% of clinical normalc. No diseases or not taking medications known to influence protein or energy metabolism, Willingness and ability to consume food provided and not allergic to phenylalanine Continent, strong bladder control Exclusion Criteria: Male, Gained or lost more than 4.5 kg of body weight within the last 6 months, Non-ambulatory (i.e. bedridden, wheel-chair bound), Clinically abnormal blood profiles as identified by our study physician, Arthur Rosen, MD

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Single-arm design<br>There is currently considerable debate regarding the accuracy of the estimated average requirement (EAR) and the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for older people. Very limited data obtained from older individuals are available to support the assumption that age does not affect protein requirement. Existing method like nitrogen balance has inherent limitations that diminish it from being considered a reference method. Indicator amino acid oxidation technique is emerging as an alternative method to measure dietary protein requirement. It is more accurate and less demanding. The current study will be the first time this technique is used with elderly adults and will provide an important foundation for geriatric nutrition research | Dietary Supplement: dietary control<br>* Seven dietary protein levels will be tested randomly on the 7 testing days: 0.10, 0.30, 0.60, 0.90, 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8 g∙kg-1∙d-1.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| dietary protein requirement in older women | Dietary protein requirement is assessed by the subjects' differential response to different dietary protein intake | 3 month | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Protein requirement, Elderly women, Indicator amino acid oxidation