Investigation of protein intakes of Māori in advanced age : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Massey University

Abstract

Aim: Current knowledge of protein intakes of Maori in advanced age is extremely limited. Methods: Dietary intakes of 216 Maori men and women aged 80-90 years were assessed using two 24 hour multiple pass recall dietary recalls. Energy, protein and nutrient intakes were analysed using FOODfiles 2010. Animal vs. plant protein intake, protein intake distribution and protein intake from Kai Maori and contemporary Maori foods protein intakes were examined. Results: Protein intake and percentage of energy as protein consumed met the nutrient reference values for both genders. The intake of animal protein (men = 52.?g, women= 36.6g) was higher than for plant protein (men= 19.Sg, women= 18.5g), and the animal: plant ratios for men and women were 2.63 and 1.94, respectively (p=0.009). Poultry, fish and seafood were the highest contributors of protein intake and percentage energy of protein in men and women. Protein intake at breakfast (men= 11.?g, women= 9.?g) and lunch (men= 16.Sg, women= 14.Sg) were inadequate (<30g protein per meal) and similar between the genders (p>0.05). Men consumed a larger median amount of protein at dinner than women (34.4g versus 23.3g, p<0.001). For men and women respectively there was a low contribution of protein from Kai Maori (median 1.31g and 1.08g) and contemporary Maori foods (median 3.28g and 2.65). Conclusion: Advanced age Maori met the total and percentage of energy protein requirements but protein distribution was inadequate in light of recent evidence. They had a higher intake of animal compared to plant protein foods. Traditional Maori foods contributed only a small proportion of protein to the diets of these advanced age Maori. Key words: protein intake, Maori, nutrition, animal protein, plant protein, protein distribution, traditional food, kai, advanced age, older adults.