Association between plant protein intake and grip strength in Koreans aged 50 years or older: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016–2018

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#We investigated the association of plant and animal protein intake with grip strength in Koreans aged ≥ 50 yrs. @*SUBJECTS/METHODS@#The data was collected from 3,610 men and 4,691 women (≥ 50 yrs) from the 2016–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We calculated the total energy intake, and the intake of animal and plant protein and collected dietary data using 1-day 24-h dietary recalls. Low grip strength (LGS) was defined as the lowest quintile (men up to 26.8 kg, women up to 15.7 kg). The association of protein intake with grip strength was examined using Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. @*RESULTS@#The results proved that participants with LGS had lower daily energy, protein and fat intake, and percent energy from protein than those with normal or high grip strength (P < 0.0001). Total energy intake, animal protein, and plant protein were positively associated with grip strength. A higher intake of total plant protein (P for trend = 0.004 for men, 0.05 for women) and legumes, nuts, and seeds (LNS) protein (Pfor trend = 0.01 for men, 0.02 for women) was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of LGS. However, non-LNS plant protein intake was not associated with LGS (P for trend = 0.10 for men, 0.15 for women). In women, a higher total animal protein intake was significantly associated with decreased LGS (P for trend = 0.03). @*CONCLUSIONS@#Higher total plant protein and LNS protein intake are negatively associated with LGS.