Mendonca N, et al. - The prevalence and determinants of low protein intake in very old adults participating in the Newcastle 85+ Study were investigated. In this study, the authors gave novel evidence on the prevalence of low protein intake, diurnal protein intake patterns and food group contributors to protein intake in the very old.

• The authors estimated protein intake with 2 × 24-h multiple pass recalls (24 h-MPR) and contribution (%) of food groups to protein intake was calculated.
• They defined low protein intake as intake < 0.8 g of protein per adjusted body weight per day.
• They used a backward stepwise multivariate linear regression model to explore socioeconomic, health and lifestyle predictors of protein intake.

• In the Newcastle 85+ Study, 28% (n = 199) of the community-living very old had low protein intake.
• When participants had a higher percent contribution of meat and meat products to total protein intake, low protein intake was less likely (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95, 1.00).
• However, it appeared to be more likely with a higher percent contribution of cereal and cereal products and non-alcoholic beverages.
• In the low protein intake group, morning eating occasions contributed more to the total protein intake, compared to the adequate protein intake group (p < 0.001).
• In adjusted models, a correlation was noted between being a woman (p < 0.001), having higher energy intake (p < 0.001) and higher tooth count (p = 0.047) with higher protein intake.