ABSTRACT
The most Dietary Guidelines for Americans were issued in 2010 by the USDA and were derived from the dietary reference intakes recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine. A loss or reduction in skeletal muscle function often leads to increased morbidity and mortality either directly, or indirectly, via the development of secondary diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. The efficient activation of the mechanistic processes that regulate muscle development, growth, regeneration and metabolism is required for skeletal muscle to function at optimal levels. The Food and Nutrition Board recognizes a distinction between the recommended dietary allowance and the level of protein intake needed for optimal health Nutrition is an important modulator of health and function in older adults. Ninety-five percent of health care costs for older Americans are for chronic diseases, which may be attributed, in part, to a loss of functional capacity related to reduced muscle mass.
