Samenvatting

Objective: Approximately 50 % of Dutch community-dwelling older adults does notmeet protein recommendations. This study assesses the effect of replacing lowprotein foods with protein-rich alternatives on the protein intake of Dutchcommunity-dwelling older adults. Design: The Dutch National Food Consumption Survey—Older Adults 2010–2012(DNFCS-OA) was used for scenario modelling. Dietary intake was estimated basedon two 24-h recalls. Commonly consumed products were replaced by comparableproducts rich in protein (scenario 1), foods enriched in protein (scenario 2) and acombination of both (scenario 3). Replacement scenarios were confined to partici-pants whose dietary protein intake was < 1·0 g/kg BW/d (n 391). Habitual proteinintake of all older adults was estimated, adjusting for effects of within-person varia-tion in the 2-d intake data. Setting: A simulation study based on the DNFCS-OA. Participants: 727 Dutch community-dwelling older adults aged 70þ. Results: Mean protein intake of the total population increased from 1·0 to 1·2 g/kgBW/d (scenarios 1 and 2) and to 1·3 g/kg BW/d (scenario 3). The percentage ofparticipants with intakes of ≥ 1·0 g/kg BW/d increased from 47·1 % to 91·4 %,90·2 % and 94·6 %, respectively, in scenarios 1, 2 and 3. The largest increases inprotein intake were due to replacements in food groups: yoghurt, cream dessertsand pudding, potatoes, vegetables and legumes and non-alcoholic beverages andmilk in scenario 1 and bread; yoghurt, cream desserts and pudding and soups inscenario 2. Conclusions: This simulation model shows that replacing low protein foods withcomparable alternatives rich in protein can increase the protein intake of Dutchcommunity-dwelling older adults considerably. Results can be used as a basisfor nutritional counselling.