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Proteins and amino acids are fundamental to optimal nutrition support in critically ill patients

In this review, we present the growing scientific evidence showing the importance of protein and amino acid provision in nutritional support and their impact on preservation of muscle mass and patient outcomes.

The Impact of dietary protein or amino acid supplementation on muscle mass and strength in elderly people

OBJECTIVES: Increasing protein or amino acid intake has been promoted as a promising strategy to increase muscle mass and strength in elderly people, however, long-term intervention studies show inconsistent findings. Therefore, we aim to determine the impact of protein or amino acid supplementation compared to placebo on muscle mass and strength in older adults by combining the results from published trials in a meta-analysis and pooled individual participant data analysis.DESIGN: We searched Medline and Cochrane databases and performed a meta-analysis on eight available trials on the effect of protein or amino acid supplementation on muscle mass and strength in older adults. Furthermore, we pooled individual data of six of these randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials. The main outcomes were change in lean body mass and change in muscle strength for both the meta-analysis and the pooled analysis.RESULTS: The meta-analysis of eight studies (n=557) showed no significant positive effects of protein or amino acid supplementation on lean body mass (mean difference: 0.014 kg: 95% CI -0.152; 0.18), leg press strength (mean difference: 2.26 kg: 95% CI -0.56; 5.08), leg extension strength (mean difference: 0.75 kg: 95% CI: -1.96, 3.47) or handgrip strength (mean difference: -0.002 kg: 95% CI -0.182; 0.179). Likewise, the pooled analysis showed no significant difference between protein and placebo treatment on lean body mass (n=412: p=0.78), leg press strength (n=121: p=0.50), leg extension strength (n=121: p=0.16) and handgrip strength (n=318: p=0.37).CONCLUSIONS: There is currently no evidence to suggest that protein or amino acid supplementation without concomitant nutritional or exercise interventions increases muscle mass or strength in predominantly healthy elderly people.

Amino acid profiling from fingerprints, a novel methodology using UPLC-MS

Collection of amino acids and DNA from fingerprints using hydrogels

How to establish increased protein intake in a blended lifestyle intervention in community-dwelling older adults?

Rationale: The dietary protein counselling of the VITAMIN trial showed to be effective in increasing the protein intake in community-dwelling older adults up to 1.41 g/kg/day after 6-months intervention and sustaining this intake up to 1.24 g/kg/day at 12-months. In this sub-analysis we determine how the increased protein intake was established. Methods: The VITAMIN (VITal AMsterdam older adults IN the city) RCT randomised older adults into: control, exercise, or exercise plus dietary counselling (protein) group. The dietary counselling intervention was blended, by use of face-to-face contacts and videoconferencing during a 6-month intervention, followed by a 6-month follow-up. Dietary intake was measured by a 3d dietary record at 0, 6 and 12 months (m). Sub-group analysis included characterisation of protein sources, product groups, resulting amino acid intake, and intake per meal moment. Linear Mixed Models were performed with SPSSv25; whereas time and time*group interaction were defined as fixed factors, and the protein group as reference.Results: In total 212 subjects were eligible for analysis (72.2 ± 6.3y), with an average protein intake at baseline of 77.8 (20) g/day and 1.08 (0.3) g/kg/day. Animal protein (g) accounted as major source (6m +25.6 (2.7) p<0.001 | 12m +15.6 (2.8) p<0.001), with the main increase in dairy products (g) (6m +14.2 (1.5) p<0.001 | 12m +10.0 (1.5) p<0.001), followed by fish and meat. This resulted in significant changes in amino acid intake: e.g. leucine (g) 6m +2.3 (0.3) p<0.001 | 12m +1.1 (0.3) p<0.001. Significant increased intake for the protein group was seen at all 6 meal moments, and particularly at breakfast (g) 6m +6.2 (1.0) p<0.001 | 12m +6.5 (1.1) p<0.001) and lunch (g) 6m +7.2 (1.3) p<0.001 | 12m +4.0 (1.3) p=0.003.Conclusions: Blended dietary counselling was effective in increasing protein intake in a lifestyle intervention in community-dwelling older adults. This was predominantly achieved by consuming more animal protein sources, particularly dairy products, and especially during breakfast and lunch. Keywords: Ageing, Behaviour change, E-health, Nutrition, Protein

Achieving protein targets without energy overfeeding in critically ill patients: A prospective feasibility study

Background & aims: High protein delivery during early critical illness is associated with lower mortality, while energy overfeeding is associated with higher mortality. Protein-to-energy ratios of traditional enteral formulae are sometimes too low to reach protein targets without energy overfeeding. This prospective feasibility study aimed to evaluate the ability of a new enteral formula with a high protein-to-energy ratio to achieve the desired protein target while avoiding energy overfeeding.Methods: Mechanically ventilated non-septic patients received the high protein-to-energy ratio nutrition during the first 4 days of ICU stay (n = 20). Nutritional prescription was 90% of measured energy expenditure. Primary endpoint was the percentage of patients reaching a protein target of ≥1.2 g/kg ideal body weight on day 4. Other endpoints included a comparison of nutritional intake to matched historic controls and the response of plasma amino acid concentrations. Safety endpoints were gastro-intestinal tolerance and plasma urea concentrations. Results: Nineteen (95%) patients reached the protein intake target of ≥1.2 g/kg ideal body weight on day 4, compared to 65% in historic controls (p = 0.024). Mean plasma concentrations of all essential amino acids increased significantly from baseline to day 4. Predefined gastro-intestinal tolerance was good, but unexplained foul smelling diarrhoea occurred in two patients. In one patient plasma urea increased unrelated to acute kidney injury. Conclusions: In selected non-septic patients tolerating enteral nutrition, recommended protein targets can be achieved without energy overfeeding using a new high protein-to-energy ratio enteral nutrition.