RELACIÓN ENTRE LA INGESTA DE PROTEÍNAS Y LA PRESENCIA DE SARCOPENIA EN ADULTOS MAYORES DEL CANTÓN SAN PEDRO DE PELILEO

Abstract

The present research focused on analyzing the direct relationship between the consumption of structural macronutrients and anatomical preservation in the evaluated geriatric population, recognizing that optimal nutritional assimilation is indispensable for maintaining functional capacity during senescence to prevent frailty syndromes. The general objective was the mathematical evaluation of the links between these dietary habits and retained physical power through clinical assessments. Methodologically, the study followed a quantitative, descriptive, and correlational approach, applying a non-experimental cross-sectional design to evaluate a population of exactly 50 elderly residents. Primary data collection was executed through surveys on the frequency of protein intake combined with objective somatic measurements obtained via handgrip dynamometry to categorize the level of bodily depletion. After tabulating the functional assessments, it was found that 76% of the participants presented deficient grip strength, compared to a small 24% who managed to remain within normal parameters. These findings contrasted with dietary reports where 50% indicated almost complete abstinence from protein consumption, while 34% consumed it 3 to 6 times per week, and only 16% maintained a daily intake. Regarding anatomical composition, records demonstrated that 66% of the samplemaintained muscle scores categorized as normal, while 30% were positioned in high scales. This statistically evidenced that an increase in the frequency of consumption of these amino acids has a positive impact on motor vitality and the preservation of skeletal tissue, ensuring a better quality of life for individuals over sixty years of age.