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The Role of Diet in Supporting Bone and Muscle Health in Older Adults (Poster Theater Flash Session 9)

(PTFS09-06-25) Impacts of Different Quantity and Source of Dietary Protein Intake Within a Healthy Dietary Pattern on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Singapore Older Adults

Monday, June 2, 2025
10:16 AM – 10:20 AM ET
Location: South Hall B (The Hub) - Poster Theater / Poster Board Number PT-4
Objectives: Higher dietary protein intake is recommended for older adults to support muscle maintenance and physical function, however, its effects on cardiovascular health remain controversial, potentially due to variations in protein sources. This study aimed to investigate the impact of protein quantity and source, when consumed as part of a healthy dietary pattern, on vascular health-related outcomes and conventional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in older adults in Singapore.

Methods: Fifty-five older adults participated in a 16-week parallel, randomized controlled trial and were assigned to one of three groups: a healthy dietary pattern (Control, n = 19), or a healthy dietary pattern along with 20 g/day of either casein (HPD-CP, n = 18) or soy protein (HPD-SP, n = 18) to achieve a high-protein diet (HPD). Biomarkers of vascular function (flow-mediated dilation), vascular regeneration (endothelial progenitor cell percentage and blood outgrowth cell functions), and conventional CVD-related parameters (lipid-lipoprotein profiles, blood pressure, and composite CVD risk indicators) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

Results: All participants demonstrated significant increases in CD34+ cell expression, which is associated with a reduction in global CVD risk. Compared to the control group, which showed significant increases in triglyceride level (mean change, 0.33 ± 0.1 mmol/L) and composite CVD risk (mean change, atherogenic index: 0.31 ± 0.11; Framingham precited long-term CVD risk: 0.8 ± 0.43 %) from baseline, the HPD-groups maintained lipid-lipoprotein profiles and HPD-SP group particularly showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol (mean change, -0.28 ± 0.12 mmol/L) level. Additionally, the HPD-SP group showed potential to improve vascular regeneration, as evidenced by the increased overall angiogenic capacity of blood outgrowth endothelial cells. No differences were observed in the other cardiovascular health outcomes.

Conclusions: Among older adults, adherence to a healthy dietary pattern with high protein intake, particularly from soy protein, could serve as a potential strategy to promote cardiovascular health.

Funding Sources: NUS Mind-Science Centre, Singapore