01/15/2026
Are you getting enough?
As we age, our protein needs increaseānot decrease. This is due to several physiological changes that affect how the body maintains muscle, bone, and overall resilience.
1. Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia)
Beginning as early as our 30s and accelerating after 50, we naturally lose muscle mass and strength. Muscle is essential for mobility, balance, glucose control, and independence. Adequate protein intake helps slow this loss and supports muscle repair and rebuilding.
2. Reduced protein absorption and utilization
Older adults experience āanabolic resistance,ā meaning the body becomes less efficient at using protein to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. To achieve the same benefit, higher-quality proteināand often a higher total intakeāis required.
3. Bone health and fracture prevention
Protein is a key component of bone structure. Sufficient intake supports bone density and works synergistically with calcium and vitamin D to reduce fracture risk, particularly important for preventing osteoporosis.
4. Immune system support
Protein is required to produce antibodies and immune cells. Inadequate intake can impair immune response, increasing susceptibility to infections and slowing recovery.
5. Healing and recovery
With age, recovery from illness, injury, or surgery takes longer. Protein supports tissue repair, wound healing, and preservation of lean mass during periods of stress or inactivity.
6. Metabolic health and blood sugar control
Protein helps stabilize blood sugar, supports insulin sensitivity, and preserves metabolically active muscle, which is critical for preventing frailty and type 2 diabetes.
How much is needed?
While the general RDA is 0.8 g/kg body weight, research suggests older adults benefit from 1.0ā1.2 g/kg/day, and up to 1.2ā1.5 g/kg/day for those who are active, recovering from illness, or aiming to preserve muscle and bone.
Bottom line:
Adequate protein is not about ābulking upā as we ageāit is about maintaining strength, mobility, bone integrity, immune resilience, and quality of life.
I know Iām setting myself up right, are you?šŖ