The current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 0.8 g/kg/day of protein is insufficient to maintain muscle mass and physical function in older men.

noli's read

Professor Stuart Phillips draws on a growing body of scientific literature suggesting that protein requirements increase with age to counter anabolic resistance. Meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), such as those published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, indicate that a higher intake (often between 1.2 and 1.6 g/kg/day) is more effective for preserving lean mass in seniors. The RDA of 0.8 g/kg/day was initially established to prevent deficiencies rather than to optimize long-term musculoskeletal health. The claim is therefore well supported by physiological data on protein metabolism. There is no exaggeration here, but rather a call to align public health recommendations with current evidence regarding sarcopenia. It is important to note that these increased needs should ideally be accompanied by appropriate physical activity to maximize the benefits.

the sources

1. 1Wu Y, Wang W, Liu T, Zhang D 2017
2. 2Li R, Xia J, Zhang X, et al. 2018