Protein’s Benefits Beyond Muscle Health
Protein has been considered a muscle-building macronutrient, particularly important for strength-building and endurance athletes. New research differentiates types of protein and identifies benefits beyond its effect on muscle (e.g., bone health, weight management, blood glucose control, heart health, facilitating the aging process, and post-exercise rehydration and recovery beverages). Hence, it is an opportune time to reconsider optimal protein intakes. The distribution of protein ingestion throughout the day and the appropriate ratio of amino acids are needed to optimize protein’s physiological effect.
On Sunday morning from 10:30 am–12:00 pm in Room 287, Session 020 Rethinking Protein Requirements and Recommendations: Beyond Muscle summarizes recent research on the benefits of protein and provides guidance on possible future recommendations. In addition, the session provides a perspective of consumer knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs, which will allow food professionals to gauge demand for amounts and types of protein in products and plan strategic marketing and promotional efforts for their products.
Douglas Paddon Jones, Ph.D., Univ. of Texas Medical Branch, will present new research on the effects of protein on health with a special emphasis on the nutritional needs of older adults and clinical populations. He will also share data on how consumers can individualize protein intakes to meet their specific needs. Donald Layman, Univ. of Ill. at Urbana-Champaign, will explore the role of protein in the treatment or prevention of obesity, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and sarcopenia. Sheila Courington, Ph.D., Dairy Management Inc., will present insights on adults’ attitudes, opinions, and behavior relating to protein in their diet and its importance, desirability, value, utilization.
