The Role of Protein Intake in Healthy Aging

With increasing life expectancy, the global population is experiencing a rise in the number of older adults. This demographic shift presents challenges in maintaining health and independence in later years. Protein intake, along with exercise (such as endurance and resistance training), is crucial for preserving muscle mass, strength, and metabolic health, all essential for aging well. However, the optimal levels and sources of protein for elderly individuals remain an area of ongoing research.

Understanding how protein consumption and exercise affect aging is vital for developing dietary strategies that promote longevity and healthspan. This Research Topic seeks to explore the interactions between protein intake, exercise, and age-related physiological changes. By investigating these relationships, we aim to address issues such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and metabolic decline, common among older adults. Additionally, we will examine sexual dimorphism in protein intake and its impact on healthy aging. The goal is to provide clarity on dietary and exercise practices that support healthy aging and prevent age-associated diseases.

We invite contributions that explore a range of themes, including:

1. Determining Optimal Protein Intake: Studies on the appropriate levels of protein required to maintain and enhance age-related muscle and metabolic health.
2. Analyzing Protein Sources: Research on the health effects of animal-based versus plant-based proteins in aging populations.
3. Protein’s Role in Disease Mitigation: Examination of how adequate protein intake and exercise can reduce the risk or progression of conditions like sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases.
4. Clinical and Interventional Studies: Results from interventions assessing different protein consumption and exercise patterns and their impacts on aging biomarkers and health metrics.
5. Development of Nutritional Guidelines: Proposals for dietary recommendations to optimize protein intake and exercise for promoting healthy aging.
6. Socioeconomic and Cultural Influences: Investigations into how cultural norms and socioeconomic factors affect protein consumption and nutritional status in older adults.
7. Model Organism Research: Studies using nematodes, flies, and killifish to gain mechanistic insights into the role of protein intake and muscle function.
8. Sexual Dimorphism in Aging: Exploration of how differences in male and female protein intake affect healthy aging.

This Research Topic calls for comprehensive manuscripts that advance our understanding of protein's role in aging. Submissions should provide evidence-based insights to inform public health strategies and nutritional guidelines, aiming to improve the quality of life for the aging population.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: protein quality, muscle preservation, metabolism, sarcopenia, aging

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.