Author(s): ALKAHTANI, S., QAISAR, R., HUSSAIN, M.A., Institution: KING SAUD UNIVERSITY , Country: SAUDI ARABIA, Abstract-ID: 584

INTRODUCTION:
Functional decline and sarcopenia are major aging-related concerns. While protein intake is known to influence muscle health, its longitudinal impact on strength and physical function across age and gender remains underexplored. This study assessed whether low protein intake predicts future onset of low handgrip strength (HGS) and physical impairments in older adults using SHARE data.
METHODS:
We analyzed 38,073 adults aged ≥50 years from 27 European countries using SHARE Waves 8 (baseline) and 9 (follow-up). A protein intake index was derived from the frequency of consuming dairy, legumes/eggs, and meat/fish/poultry. Low intake was defined as the lowest decile. Logistic regression models, adjusted for age, gender, country, and baseline health, examined associations with low HGS and ten physical difficulties, stratified by age (50–65 vs. ≥66 years) and gender.
RESULTS:
Low protein intake significantly increased the odds of low HGS in men (OR = 1.39 for 50–65; OR = 1.35 for ≥66) and older women (OR = 1.21). It was also associated with higher odds of mobility-related limitations, including walking 100 meters (ORs = 1.25–1.53), stooping/kneeling (ORs = 1.20–1.19 in women), and reaching overhead (ORs = 1.19–1.33). Strength-related tasks, such as pushing/pulling large objects were more affected in men (ORs = 1.44 and 1.21). Notably, women aged 50–65 had over twice the odds of toileting difficulty (OR = 2.27) and significantly higher odds of difficulty shopping (OR = 1.65). These patterns highlight gender- and age-specific vulnerabilities.
CONCLUSION:
This study demonstrates that inadequate protein intake is linked with diminished muscle strength and functional ability among older European adults, with notable variations across gender and age groups. The results highlight the importance of promoting adequate, high-quality protein intake as a central component of healthy aging strategies. Future SHARE waves and experimental studies should aim to validate these findings using biomarker-based dietary measures and to explore whether targeted protein supplementation, when combined with structured physical activity, can prevent or reverse functional decline.
In conclusion, low protein intake is a robust predictor of functional decline in older adults. Tailored nutritional strategies may mitigate age- and gender-specific risks to physical independence.