Objective
To determine the association between dietary protein intake and change in grip strength (GS) over time among Māori and non‐Māori of advanced age.
Methods
Protein intake was estimated from 2×24h multiple pass recall (MPR) in 554 participants, and GS was measured yearly over five years. Anthropometric, physical activity and health data were collected.
Results
The median weight‐adjusted protein intake was low (for Māori and non‐Māori men 1.05 and 0.98g/kg/day; for Māori and non‐Māori women 0.87 and 0.91g/kg/day, respectively). There was a general decrease in GS over five years (mean % change of −2.38 ± 15.32 and −4.49 ± 21.92 for Māori and non‐Māori women and −5.47 ± 16.09 and −1.81 ± 13.16 for Māori and non‐Māori men yearly). Intake of protein was not related to GS at any of the five‐year assessment points nor was it related to change over time.
Conclusion
Protein intake was low in this cohort of octogenarians and was not protective against loss of GS over five years.