HHS HealthBeat (May 16, 2008)

Muscling up protein

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Research on older women indicates they may be more at need of protein as a way to help them maintain muscle.

The study looked at men and women ages 65 to 80 who didn’t eat overnight, so researchers could compare muscle tissue samples taken before and after a protein drink.

The scientists found women absorbed less protein from the drink than men did.

Bettina Mittendorfer of Washington University in St. Louis:

"Definitely, I’d recommend a good protein intake because that’s one of the known factors. And there seems to be a little bit of a response – just not as good in the women as it is in the men." (8 seconds)

But they might subtract other foods so they don’t raise total calories.

The study in the journal Public Library of Science One was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyufss.

Last revised: May, 15 2008