Almost half of Irish adults over the age of 40 do not think they eat enough protein or do not know if they are consuming the correct amount, a new survey has found.

Consumption of protein can ward off and reverse the age-related degenerative condition sarcopenia – a progressive skeletal muscle disorder involving accelerated loss of muscle mass and function that is linked to falls, functional decline, frailty and mortality.

According to the survey results, 45% of those over the age of 40 are unclear about their protein consumption. Furthermore, 30% of people over the age of 40 are unaware that their age cohort will begin to lose muscle mass and strength as they get older and so their protein requirements will increase with age.

Some 50% of those over the age of 55 think they should eat the same amount of protein as they get older.

“Adequate protein intake throughout all life stages is essential for health as proteins are the building blocks within the body. A low intake of protein will not maintain optimal muscle mass and function, which decline as we get older.

“Regular consumption of high quality proteins like tinned tuna, fish and eggs are important to ensure we protect against muscle loss as we age,” explained registered dietitian, Noreen Roche.

The survey noted that 71% of those aged between 18 and 24 believe that they eat enough protein. This suggests a better awareness of dietary requirements among younger adults, which is perhaps linked to fitness and social media cultures.

The survey also found that meat and eggs are mistakenly identified as the best sources of protein across all age ranges, when fish is actually the best source.

The survey of 1,000 adults was carried out by iReach on behalf of John West.