It’s never too late to start: More benefits from supplementation for seniors

Today’s article is quite straight to the point: we are going to show how supplementation has incredible benefits for seniors. However, before we start, it is always good to bring a recommendation.

This article is not intended to replace a medical indication. Nutritionists and doctors are priorities, and you should consult a trained professional before taking on a new diet.

However, we have compiled a lot of information about the benefits of supplementation for people over 50. And this is the subject we are going to talk about today.

And of course, all the information has been verified and you can trust that it is accurate.

Okay, let’s get started. Get comfortable and enjoy the reading.

Protein deficiency

The loss of muscle mass that occurs after the age of 50 due to the natural aging process is called sarcopenia. About 45 percent of the elderly face this problem.

Among the causes are a sedentary lifestyle, loss of neurons that carry stimuli to the muscles, vitamin D deficiency, and low protein intake.

In old age, it is also common to see a decrease in the intake of meat, which is an excellent source of protein, due to lack of appetite and difficulty in chewing.

Over time, this causes difficulties in walking, loss of strength to make small efforts – such as getting up from a chair – and constant tiredness and fatigue.

That’s why, in addition to weight-training exercises, it is recommended that men and women over 65 increase their protein intake to prevent or combat sarcopenia.

On the subject of health: Get rid of disease: the role of protein in the immune system

Whey protein for the health of the elderly

Whey protein is high in essential amino acids, calcium, and bioactive milk peptides. This composition ensures its high nutritional value, and can help prevent diseases and improve the quality of life for the elderly.

In addition, it has fast absorption and greater digestibility, ensuring better maintenance of the proteins present in the body.

Generally, people over 65 tend to lose a greater amount of lean mass due to reduced response to anabolism and calcium absorption.

Therefore, there is a significant need for the body to obtain a greater amount of protein per day, including the fact that the elderly tend to consume, naturally, a lower volume of food than young adults.

Thus, milk protein supplementation can significantly reduce the loss of muscle mass, minimize inflammatory processes in general, and prevent the onset of acute or chronic age-related diseases.

We can also take into consideration the high amount of calcium present in its composition, which can help prevent osteoporosis.

Can seniors benefit from the use of Whey Protein?

Yes, because Whey Protein contains high levels of essential amino acids. There are doses of calcium and bioactive peptides originating from milk. These elements guarantee a high nutritional value and are helpful in the prevention of numerous diseases.

In addition to all this, the practice of physical activity brings an improvement as a whole in the quality of life of senior citizens.

In addition, since Whey Protein is a substance of quick absorption and easy digestibility, it ensures optimal maintenance of the proteins present in the body.

Therefore, there is no contraindication for the consumption of Whey Protein in the elderly.

However, it is worth pointing out that it is necessary to take the right doses of supplementation, and we must always reinforce that one should make regular visits to the doctor to ensure good health.

Whey Protein

Whey protein has an excellent essential amino acid profile, which provides the substrate for maintaining muscle mass.

Supplementation with 30-45g of intact protein in the elderly could become a dietary replacement rather than a supplement, especially if there is no proportional increase in regular physical activity.

Whey protein is still well suited to the elderly due to its very favorable properties for overall health.

It decreases the risk of infectious diseases and also those considered chronic or degenerative stimulation of the immune system, protection against pathogenic microorganisms, against some types of viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis B virus, protection against colon and gastric mucosal cancer, cardiovascular problems, and osteoporosis (in the absence of calcium for the elderly).

Calcium

Just like muscles, the structure of the bones is extremely important for a satisfying and independent quality of life in old age. Calcium is one of the minerals that contributes to this.

Bone mass is generally gained until the age of 20, and bone loss begins after the age of 40. Deficiency of this nutrient intensifies the chance of developing osteoporosis, a common problem in old age.

This is a disease that weakens the bones and, if not controlled, can progress with aging and increase the risk of fractures, especially in the hip, rib, and femur.

To avoid this evil, it is recommended that women up to 50 and men up to 70 have a calcium intake of 1000 mg/day. After this age, the amount increases to 1200 mg/day.

You can abuse foods rich in this mineral, such as milk, cheese, and sardines. If this is still not enough, supplementation is a strategy to reach the indicated daily levels.

It is worth pointing out that the presence of vitamin D and magnesium is necessary for the adequate absorption of the nutrient.

Calcium from Seaweed, for example, is also composed of this vitamin, and is therefore a good alternative supplement for the elderly. In addition, studies show that this product has up to 30% higher absorption compared to other calcium sources.

We hope that this article has shown you how it is possible to achieve health at all ages.

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Thank you for reading and see you next time!