Consumer demand for plant protein-based products is high and expected to grow considerably in the next decade. Factors contributing to the rise in popularity of plant proteins include: (1) potential health benefits associated with increased intake of plant-based diets; (2) consumer concerns regarding adverse health effects of consuming diets high in animal protein (e.g., increased saturated fat); (3) increased consumer recognition of the need to improve the environmental sustainability of food production; (4) ethical issues regarding the treatment of animals; and (5) general consumer view of protein as a “positive” nutrient (more is better). While there are health and physical function benefits of diets higher in plant-based protein, the nutritional quality of plant proteins may be inferior in some respects relative to animal proteins. This review highlights the nutritional quality of plant proteins and strategies for wisely using them to meet amino acid requirements. In addition, a summary of studies evaluating the potential benefits of plant proteins for both health and physical function is provided. Finally, potential safety issues associated with increased intake of plant proteins are addressed.

Since the U.S. Institute of Medicine’s recommendations on protein and amino acid intake in 2005, new information supports the need to re-evaluate these recommendations. New lines of evidence include: (1) re-analysis/re-interpretation of nitrogen balance data; (2) results from indicator amino acid oxidation studies; (3) studies of positive functional outcomes associated with protein intakes higher than recommended; (4) dietary guidance and protein recommendations from some professional nutrition societies; and (5) recognition that the synthesis of certain dispensable amino acids may be insufficient to meet physiological requirements more often than previously understood. The empirical estimates, theoretical calculations and clinical functional outcomes converge on a similar theme, that recommendations for intake of protein and some amino acids may be too low in several populations, including for older adults (≥65 years), pregnant and lactating women, and healthy children older than 3 years. Additional influential factors that should be considered are protein quality that meets operational sufficiency (adequate intake to support healthy functional outcomes), interactions between protein and energy intake, and functional roles of amino acids which could impact the pool of available amino acids for use in protein synthesis. Going forward, the definition of “adequacy” as it pertains to protein and amino acid intake recommendations must take into consideration these critical factors.

Both undernutrition and frailty adversely affect the health and functional outcomes of the older adult population. Timely and accurate national data are necessary to assess those at risk of these debilitating but often preventable conditions, to correct them and support healthy aging. The objective was to identify relevant measures in undernutrition and frailty screening tools and determine if these measures are collected in recent protocols for US national surveys sampling older adults and which measures could be added to be able to better assess risk of undernutrition and frailty. Commonly used undernutrition and frailty screening tools were evaluated to identify measures that were unique or common to both. US national surveys were examined to determine whether they included older adults in their survey sample, collected health measures from participants, in what form, and whether they were functional indexes or survey questions. A comparative analysis of survey protocols was performed to determine which surveys collected data related to the measures of undernutrition and frailty. Of the 8 national surveys, only 3 provided ≥1 physical measurement (i.e., height/weight, grip strength, balance). Most surveys included self-reported data on height/weight, physical functioning/mobility, disability, and psychological components. Whereas 6 included questions on food security/food program participation, only 1 collected data on dietary intake. Currently national surveys include only limited health measures that can be used to identify undernutrition and frailty risk in older adults. Adding a few simple screening measures already included in popular screening tools, such as grip strength, unintentional weight loss, and loss of appetite, to national surveys which monitor older Americans would facilitate estimation of the prevalence of undernutrition and frailty risk, better estimate those at risk, provide an opportunity to set national goals to reduce their risk, and help implement strategies for improved health outcomes.

We conducted a Web-based survey of Commission on Dietetic Registration members to identify opportunities and challenges related to malnutrition and frailty screening among older adults (≥65 years old). Of the 9279 surveys sent out in emails, 903 registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) returned the surveys (10% response rate), and of those who responded, 576 RDNs were working with adults 65 years or older. They reported greater familiarity with screening tools for malnutrition than for frailty and little use of any frailty screening tools. For malnutrition screening, RDNs were most familiar with the body mass index (99%), Subjective Global Assessment (79%), and Malnutrition Screening Tool (75%). The body mass index (86%) and Malnutrition Screening Tool (42%) were most commonly used for malnutrition screening. For frailty screening, virtually all of the respondents (90%) were unfamiliar with individual tools. Registered dietitian nutritionists were most familiar with the Frailty Index (9%) and Simple FRAIL Questionnaire (6%), and the Simple FRAIL Questionnaire (2%) and Frailty Index (2%) were most commonly used. Major risk factors RDNs considered when screening for malnutrition and frailty were weight loss (malnutrition, 99%; frailty, 87%) and appetite loss (malnutrition, 95%; frailty, 45%), respectively. Although 70% of respondents reported their organizations had policies for malnutrition screening, only 6% did for frailty screening. Most RDNs (68%) agreed that dietetic professionals should play a role in frailty screening. To take a leading role in frailty screening and intervention, RDNs working with older adults need skills-based competency, education, and training.

Introduction: Supplementation with key nutrients has been an effective strategy to meet nutritional requirements, particularly when diets alone are insufficient to fulfill needs or correct existing deficiencies. However, micronutrient deficiencies among women of childbearing age in Latin America remain a significant public health challenge, especially during the preconception period, when nutritional status critically influences maternal and fetal outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the micronutrient composition of commonly prescribed prenatal supplements in countries participating in the ELANS and compare it with dietary intake among women of childbearing age to identify relevant nutritional gaps relevant. Materials and methods. Commonly prescribed prenatal supplements in the ELANS countries were analyzed and compared with previously reported dietary intake data. A population-level model was used to estimate total micronutrient intake under a supplementation scenario. Results. Significant micronutrient gaps were identified, particularly for calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E, and choline. Choline intake was markedly inadequate, and none of the evaluated supplements contained this nutrient. While supplementation improved coverage for some micronutrients, it also led to potentially excessive intake of others, including iron and several B-complex vitamins. Substantial variability in supplement composition was observed across countries Conclusions. These findings reveal a mismatch between prenatal supplement composition and population nutritional needs, characterized by the coexistence of deficiencies and potential excesses. Tailored, evidence-based supplementation strategies are needed to better align regional nutritional gaps.