ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Approximately 50 % of Dutch community-dwelling older adults does not meet protein recommendations. This study assesses the effect of replacing low protein foods with protein-rich alternatives on the protein intake of Dutch community-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 based on two 24-h recalls. Commonly consumed products were replaced by comparable products rich in protein (scenario 1), foods enriched in protein (scenario 2) and a combination of both (scenario 3). Replacement scenarios were confined to participants whose dietary protein intake was < 1·0 g/kg BW/d (n 391). Habitual protein intake of all older adults was estimated, adjusting for effects of within-person variation in the 2-d intake data. SETTING: A simulation study based on the DNFCS-OA. PARTICIPANTS: 727 Dutch community-dwelling older adults aged 70+. RESULTS: Mean protein intake of the total population increased from 1·0 to 1·2 g/kg BW/d (scenarios 1 and 2) and to 1·3 g/kg BW/d (scenario 3). The percentage of participants 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 in protein intake were due to replacements in food groups: yoghurt, cream desserts and pudding, potatoes, vegetables and legumes and non-alcoholic beverages and milk in scenario 1 and bread; yoghurt, cream desserts and pudding and soups in scenario 2. CONCLUSIONS: This simulation model shows that replacing low protein foods with comparable alternatives rich in protein can increase the protein intake of Dutch community-dwelling older adults considerably. Results can be used as a basis for nutritional counselling.
Subject(s)
Dietary Proteins , Independent Living , Aged , Diet , Eating , Energy Intake , Humans , VegetablesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In addition to helping consumers make healthier food choices, front-of-pack nutrition labels could encourage companies to reformulate existing products and develop new ones with a healthier product composition. This is the largest study to date to investigate the effect of a nutrition logo on the development of healthier products by food manufacturers. METHODS: A total of 47 food manufacturers joining the Choices Foundation in the Netherlands (response: 39.5%) indicated whether their Choices products were newly developed, reformulated or already complied with the Choices criteria and provided nutrient composition data for their products (n = 821; 23.5% of the available Choices products in August 2009). RESULTS: Most products carrying the logo as a result of reformulation and new product development were soups and snacks. Sodium reduction was the most common change found in processed meats, sandwiches, soups and sandwich fillings. Dietary fiber was significantly increased in most newly developed Choices product groups; for example, in fruit juices, processed meats, dairy products, sandwiches and soups. Saturated fatty acids (SAFA) and added sugar were significantly decreased both in reformulated and newly developed dairy products. Caloric content was significantly decreased only in reformulated dairy products, sandwich fillings and in some newly developed snacks. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the Choices logo has motivated food manufacturers to reformulate existing products and develop new products with a healthier product composition, especially where sodium and dietary fiber are concerned.
