Are higher protein intake and distribution of protein intake related to higher appendicular muscle mass among an older Japanese population?: A cross‐sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2017

Aim Protein intake is an important component in retaining muscle mass, especially among older people. This study examined the relationship between total protein intake and/or the distribution of protein intake in each meal and appendicular muscle mass, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS) in Japan. Methods Data from the NHNS were re‐analyzed in this study. We used data from a one‐day dietary record, physical examination, and lifestyle questionnaire completed by 1766 participants aged over 60 years. Appendicular muscle mass was assessed by multiple‐frequency bioimpedance measurement. Leucine intake was calculated by the weighted average amino acid content from all 98 food subcategories used in the NHNS, based on amino acid composition data in the 2020 Standard Tables of Food Composition. Results Participants with higher protein intake showed significantly higher appendicular muscle mass. This relationship was independent of physical activity, including steps taken per day, exercise habit, and physical labor. Frequent intake of ≥0.4 g protein/kg/meal was not related to appendicular muscle mass. The combination of higher total protein intake and higher physical activity seemed to have the largest association with appendicular muscle mass. Conclusions Higher protein intake may be related to higher appendicular muscle mass, independent of higher physical activity, among older Japanese people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 634–640 .