Table 1.

Summary of the recommendations from the joint committee of the Sarcopenia-Frailty Study Group of the Korean Geriatric Society and the Korean Nutrition Society

Summary of the recommendations
1. What is the clinically recommended protein intake for Korean older adults? Based on the currently available evidence, we recommend a dietary protein intake of >1.2 g/kg and >20 g essential amino acids per day in healthy older adults.
2. Is there clinical relevance in varying the protein characteristics? Protein quality and source may be considered when providing recommendations for dietary protein intake in older people. Leucine or BCAAs and β-HMB enrichment may be beneficial, although the clinical evidence is insufficient. Fast protein (for example, whey protein) may be beneficial compared to slow protein (for example, casein protein), and protein of animal origin may be better than plant-based protein in promoting muscle mass.
3. Are there synergistic benefits of exercise on nutritional support? Evidence indicates that the combination of timely exercises with protein intake may synergistically stimulate muscle protein synthesis, leading to improved muscle mass and strength in older people.
4. How to address older patients with acute or chronic diseases in terms of dietary protein intake? For geriatric patients with acute or chronic diseases, tailored approaches for specific patients are recommended.

BCAA, branched chain amino acids; β-HMB, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate.