Association between dietary protein intake and change in grip strength over time among adults of advanced age: Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in New Zealand (LiLACS NZ)

Objective To determine the association between dietary protein intake and change in grip strength (GS) over time among Maori and non-Maori of advanced age. Methods Protein intake was estimated from 2x24h multiple pass recall (MPR) in 554 participants, and GS was measured yearly over five years. Anthropometric, physical activity and health data were collected. Results The median weight-adjusted protein intake was low (for Maori and non-Maori men 1.05 and 0.98g/kg/day; for Maori and non-Maori women 0.87 and 0.91g/kg/day, respectively). There was a general decrease in GS over five years (mean % change of -2.38 +/- 15.32 and -4.49 +/- 21.92 for Maori and non-Maori women and -5.47 +/- 16.09 and -1.81 +/- 13.16 for Maori and non-Maori men yearly). Intake of protein was not related to GS at any of the five-year assessment points nor was it related to change over time. Conclusion Protein intake was low in this cohort of octogenarians and was not protective against loss of GS over five years.