| Summary: | Protein intake, food sources and distribution are important in preventing age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. The prevalence and determinants of low protein intake, food sources and mealtime distribution were examined in 214 Māori and 360 non-Māori of advanced age using two 24 h multiple pass recalls. The contribution of food groups to protein intake was assessed. Low protein intake was defined as ≤0.75 g/kg for women and ≤0.86 g/kg for men. A logistic regression model was built to explore predictors of low protein intake. A third of both women (30.9%) and men (33.3%) had a low protein intake. The main food group sources were beef/veal, fish/seafood, milk, bread though they differed by gender and ethnicity. For women and men respectively protein intake (g/meal) was lowest at breakfast (10.1 and 13.0), followed by lunch (14.5 and 17.8) and dinner (23.3 and 34.2). Being a woman (<i>p</i> = 0.003) and having depressive symptoms (<i>p</i> = 0.029) were associated with consuming less protein. In adjusted models the odds of adequate protein intake were higher in participants with their own teeth or partial dentures (<i>p</i> = 0.036). Findings highlight the prevalence of low protein intake, uneven mealtime protein distribution and importance of dentition for adequate protein intake among adults in advanced age.
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