Nutrition Management from a Chrono-nutritional Perspective: an Epidemiological Study Focusing on Breakfast Protein Quality in Older Adults

Abstract

Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining the health of older adults. Chrono-nutrition is a concept that aims to prevent disease and prolong healthy life expectancy through a dietary habit that takes into account the biological clock. As the human circadian rhythm is longer than the 24-hour cycle of the Earth, it needs to be converted to a daily day and night cycle. Diet affects circadian rhythms, and maintenance of adequate muscle strength in older adults is important for delaying the start of long-term care. In recent years, it has been shown that genes associated with the skeletal muscle clock control muscle function and that muscle protein synthesis is enhanced when a large amount of protein is consumed, especially at breakfast. However, it is sometimes difficult for older people to consume enough protein because dietary intake decreases with age. In a longitudinal study, by focusing on protein quality (i.e., bioavailability), we have found that community-dwelling older people who eat a high-protein-quality breakfast are less likely to develop muscle weakness. Despite a lack of evidence on recommended nutrient intakes for older people, here we consider the nutritional management of older adults from a chrono-nutritional perspective.