The Food Marketing Institute’s “2009 Grocery Shopper Trends” reports that 39% of consumers find protein to be important. A macronutrient needed for muscles, bones, hair, nails, skin, blood and a host of enzyme, hormone, immunity and metabolic processes, protein plays a key role in the body (namely, replacement and repair), and the body cannot internally produce the eight essential amino acids which comprise protein: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, valine and phenylalanine – all of which are vital daily requirements.
Most Americans tend to get plenty of protein in their diets. However, recent research described in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that up to four out of 10 older Americans do not consume the recommended daily amount of protein, and this can contribute to muscle mass loss and function. For 70 million Americans 55 old or over, building and keeping muscle tone is vital, because deteriorating muscle mass and reduced strength can compromise an active lifestyle and contribute to many of the risks associated with growing older. While physical activity also plays a role, the latest research emphasizes the importance of diet and nutrition and the intake of proteins and amino acids critical to building and maintaining muscle mass.