My 75-year-old father seems to be wasting away before my eyes. His muscles seem to have lost their shape and bulk. I think this is because of his diet. Is there any research to back me up on this?
People tend to lose muscle mass as they age. This was previously attributed to proteins breaking down faster than they could be made and stored. However, new research shows that loss of muscle may be linked to diet and nutrition, the body's ability to use protein from food, and hormonal changes.
For example, not eating enough protein results in loss of muscle mass. Current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) may not be enough to meet the needs of older adults.
The first step is to bring your concerns to a doctor's attention. There may be a medical reason for the changes you've noticed. Your physician may recommend a nutritionist who is trained in geriatrics to help address your father's dietary needs.
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