Proteins are essential macronutrients made of amino acids, which form the building blocks of the body. They play a crucial role in maintaining and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, producing hormones and enzymes and preserving muscle mass. From Muscle to metabolism: In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Amreen Sheikh, Head Dietician at Fortis Hospital in Mulund, shared, “With age, one’s body goes through several changes that increases the requirement of protein.
Ensuring protein intake is sufficient helps foster good health and quality of life in older adults. As the human body ages, issues like Sarcopenia or muscle loss happens as muscle mass naturally declines with age causing weakness, frailty and can lead to a higher risk of falls and fractures and protein helps prevents this.” He explained, “Protein helps in maintaining bone density, further reducing the risk of Osteoporosis and fractures.
It aids in repairing tissues, including skin, bones, and organs. Protein is required for producing antibodies and other immune system components that help fight infections. Elderly people are at higher risk of infection, injuries, surgeries, and illnesses.
Protein supports better recovery by aiding tissue repair and immune function.” Highlighting that protein is important for producing hormones and enzymes that regulate bodily functions, Amreen Sheikh elaborated, “Protein can help elderly to maintain healthy weight by increasing satiety and supporting lean muscle .
