"Struggling After Walking Just 100m, Aching Shoulders: Skipping Protein Could Be Risky for Daily Life"

Difficulty in Daily Life from Avoiding Protein Intake
UAE Sharjah University Team Tracks Adults Over 50
"Even Simple Movements Require Muscle Strength and Coordination"

A warning has been issued that consistently avoiding foods rich in protein may increase the risk of experiencing difficulties in daily life as people age.

An international research team led by Professor Rizwan Qaisar of the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) released these findings in the international academic journal "Nutrients" on May 29, 2026.

People with low protein intake were 25 to 53% more likely to have difficulty walking 100 meters and 19 to 33% more likely to have trouble lifting their arms overhead. Getty Images

The researchers analyzed data from the 2019–2020 and 2021–2022 waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). This study included data from approximately 38,073 participants aged 50 and older.

The team first categorized participants based on how frequently they consumed protein-rich foods, such as dairy products, legumes, eggs, meat, fish, and poultry. The lowest 10% were classified as the "low protein intake group."

In the follow-up survey, the researchers assessed difficulties in daily functions such as grip strength, walking, climbing stairs, standing up from a chair, bending, and grocery shopping to analyze their association with protein intake.

The analysis found that men with low protein intake experienced reduced grip strength regardless of age. The risk of decreased grip strength was 39% higher in men aged 50 to 65 and 35% higher in men aged 66 and older. Among women, the risk of decreased grip strength increased by 21% only in those aged 66 and above.

Additionally, people with low protein intake were 25 to 53% more likely to have difficulty walking 100 meters and 19 to 33% more likely to have difficulty raising their arms above their head.

The photo is not related to any specific expression in the article. Getty Images

Women with low protein intake were 19 to 20% more likely to have difficulty bending or kneeling, and their risk of having trouble grocery shopping was 65% higher. Women aged 50 to 65 were 2.27 times more likely to have difficulty using the bathroom compared to women with higher protein intake. For men, low protein intake had a significant negative impact on strength-related activities, such as pushing or pulling heavy objects.

Professor Qaisar warned, "Even simple movements like walking, standing up, or carrying a shopping bag require muscle strength, balance, and coordination. If protein intake is insufficient over a long period, it becomes difficult to maintain these functions, which can ultimately increase the risk of functional decline and loss of independence."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.