Dear Webinar Attendees,

We are delighted to welcome you to the webinar “From athletes to older adults: food-focused approaches for maximising the health effects of protein” which is organised by the European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD) and made possible through the support of the European Milk Forum (EMF).

During this webinar, we will hear from our expert speakers, Dr Nicolas Burd and Dr Caoileann Murphy, that optimising protein nutrition for muscle recovery in athletes or maintaining muscle health in older people is more complex than simply recommending a total daily protein intake.

The type of protein and protein quality are important. The food matrix may also have an impact. For example, in this webinar, we will learn of research which suggests that protein contained in whole foods may have a more beneficial effect on muscle due to the interaction of the protein with other nutrients in the food matrix.

As we’ll hear, there are practical considerations too, including the timing of protein intakes across the day, along with considering the convenience, accessibility, palatability and affordability of protein-containing foods.

These are important issues on a policy level when formulating food-based dietary guidelines, and for the guidance and advice we, as dietitians, give.

We hope you enjoy the event!

Pauline Douglas, NICHE, Ulster University