Most persons residing in nursing homes are frail and/or have a number of disabilities.1"9 Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass, and together with alterations in muscle function, it leads to loss of muscle strength, power, and limited mobility.10"20 Sarcopenia is a major component of frailty.21'22 The amount of protein available plays a key role in the ability to develop muscle mass and strength.23 High-quality protein, such as whey based (high leucine-balanced essential amino acids), stimulates protein synthesis by activation of the mTOR system.24 For these reasons, it is reasonable to postulate that adequate protein ingestion plays a key role in maintenance of function in older persons.
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