Protein is crucial for skeletal muscle growth and maintenance, and older adults display an impaired muscle protein synthesis response to the ingestion of protein,[1] so a large portion of the evidence base revolves around optimizing protein intake for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.
Total protein intake should ideally be 1.2–1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, evenly distributed between 3–4 meals containing ≥ 0.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.[2]
With respect to dietary patterns, largely consistent evidence from observational studies demonstrates that higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with better physical functioning, including lower extremity functioning, mobility, and walking speed.[3][4]