Dr. Carla Prado, PhD, RD, FCAHS
Dr. Carla Prado is a Distinguished University Professor and a Canada Research Chair in Integrative Nutrition, Body Composition, and Energy Metabolism (Tier 1) at the University of Alberta. She is also a registered dietitian. She directs the Human Nutrition Research Unit, renowned as one of the top research and training facilities for body composition and energy metabolism assessments worldwide.
Title of the presentation: Animal Protein for Muscle Health: Supporting Healthy Aging and Recovery in Cancer and Beyond
Questions
- Can you give a brief ‘elevator pitch’ summary of your presentation and explain why this is an important topic for Alberta poultry producers?
Muscle mass is one of the hottest topics in the health industry today. Muscle is not only important for moving and balance, but it is also a metabolic powerhouse. This presentation will explore the vital role of animal protein in promoting muscle health, especially as we age or face challenges like cancer. I will share research findings on how animal protein supports muscle mass and strength, aids in recovery, and improves overall health outcomes. The talk underscores the importance of nutrition for health and wellbeing across diverse populations, highlighting the value of animal protein in meeting these nutritional needs.
- Why is this an important topic for Alberta poultry producers?
Poultry is a rich source of high-quality animal protein, which plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle health. This is particularly relevant in contexts such as aging and chronic disease recovery, where adequate protein intake can significantly enhance health outcomes. Highlighting these benefits positions Alberta poultry producers as key contributors to promoting healthy aging and recovery, increasing awareness of poultry’s role in science-backed nutrition strategies.
- Can you recommend any resources that we can share with our producers ahead of time to help them learn about your topic?
One key resource to share is an opinion paper that reviews the impact of dietary protein on muscle health in cancer, emphasizing its role in better patient outcomes. This paper addresses misconceptions about animal- and plant-based proteins, highlighting the superior anabolic potential of animal-derived proteins. The paper is open access and includes self-explanatory figures
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261561421005422?via%3Dihub
I also recommend our internationally awarded, free resource, The High Protein Cookbook for Muscle Health During Cancer Treatment. While the primary focus is on cancer, the recipes are valuable for anyone looking to increase their protein intake and support muscle health.
A free electronic copy is available here: https://era.library.ualberta.ca/items/a5fd6960-db6d-4682-9190-1a92659cca73
If you prefer a printed copy, it is available on Amazon at the cost of printing only.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1551954761/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_S1SACTEXWYRRR9VY4YR0
Also, check out our animated video: The Importance of Nutrition to Prevent and Treat Low Muscle Mass.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDSX_jaDCDM
- We look forward to learning from you in February! Any final comments?
I’m excited to connect with Alberta poultry producers in February! I will not only be sharing some of the exciting research we are conducting at the University of Alberta, but I have a special surprise in store for the group—this won’t be your typical talk!
Dawn has an MMUS from Northwestern University and worked from 2017 - 2021 as the U of A Heritage Chicken Program Coordinator. With extensive experience as a newspaper and magazine writer and editor, Dawn is the scribe for the PIP team. Duties include transcribing minutes, creating action lists, organizing team ideas and projects, editing, writing articles, and interviewing subjects for the People of Poultry series in the PIP newsletter. Dawn also assists in PIP tech transfer initiatives.
