CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom—A U.K. national survey conducted last month in the United Kingdom reveals more than 20 percent of the nation recognize that adults over age 50 need more protein in their diet compared with those in their prime.
As reported by Nutrition Horizon, the top four roles cited for protein in the diet of people over age 50 were correctly identified as supporting the immune system (51 percent), guarding against osteoporosis and bone fractures (47 percent), helping prevent muscle wastage (46 percent) and protecting lean tissues and muscles (46 percent). The survey of 2,000 adults was designed to identify attitudes toward protein in the diet and protein-fortified foods, particularly in relation to the over-50 market segment.
“The survey indicates some interesting market niches that are beginning to emerge for protein-fortified foods, including the senior nutrition segment. With their high absorption rate, easy digestibility, versatility and palatability, Volactive nutritional whey proteins are well positioned to meet this demand,” said Mark Neville, head of Lifestyle Ingredients for Volac, the sponsor of the survey.
According to the survey, 12 percent of respondents changed their diet to include more non-meat sources of protein than they previously consumed in the past five years. The main reasons for making the change to include more vegetarian sources of protein was cited as weight management, closely followed by cost concerns. One-third currently changing their diet cited environmental or climate change concerns and/or vegetarian principles as their motive.
