Universal standard of protein intake is considered obsolete

For decades, dietary recommendations have been based on an analysis of the concentration of amino acids in blood plasma. This method allows you to estimate the amount of protein that the body breaks down and requires replacement, but it does not provide a complete picture of the processes occurring directly inside the cells. Since the main protein metabolism (turnover) occurs at the cellular level, traditional measurements often underestimate the actual amount of protein used by the body.

To eliminate this gap, Dr. Nicholas Deutz and his colleagues applied the method of stable isotope indicators. This technology allows you to track the path of labeled molecules inside the cell, providing a more accurate measurement of basal protein loss. The study was conducted on an empty stomach, eliminating the influence of recent food intake and allowing for an objective assessment of each participant’s metabolic needs.

The results, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, demonstrate that two individuals with the same body weight can have drastically different protein requirements based on factors such as gender, physical activity level, and overall health. In medical institutions, the use of average figures without taking into account the patient’s usual diet and physiology can lead to hidden malnutrition, especially in the presence of chronic pathologies that accelerate the breakdown of muscle tissue.

The concept of “precision nutrition” involves abandoning the search for a universal number for the entire population. For most healthy individuals in developed countries, the current protein intake is sufficient, but precise adjustments are required for specific populations. The scientific community emphasizes the need to shift the focus from “achieving the norm” to understanding the individual context and metabolic characteristics of the body. This will allow for more effective prevention of sarcopenia in older adults and optimize the rehabilitation of patients with systemic diseases.