Malaysia’s senior population is booming. In 2023, 7.4% of us are 65 and over—an impressive 2.5 million people!^[1] As we enjoy longer lives, it’s crucial to ensure our loved ones stay vibrant and healthy.

The Silent Struggle: Protein-Energy Deficiency

Aging can bring unexpected challenges. As we age, we are more prone to protein-energy deficiency with multiple health conditions, leading to failing immune system, frailty, sarcopenia (muscle loss) and weakened bones.^[2,3] This isn’t just a number---it affects quality of life, independence and the joy of living in the golden years.

Why is Protein Intake a Struggle?

Many older adults find it difficult to get enough protein every day due to^[3,4]

1. Inadequate Protein Intake:

• Dental Constraints: Chewing difficulties from ill-fitting dentures or missing teeth can deter older adults from chewing meat and other protein-rich foods.^[5]
  
  
• Appetite Changes: Age often brings a loss of appetite, making balanced meals harder to manage.
  
  
• Diet Preferences: Vegetarian or plant-based diets may lack complete proteins without careful planning. Many older adults tend to omit animal protein foods due to health beliefs that these foods are unhealthy.

2. Reduced Ability to Absorb and Use Protein:

As we age, our bodies experience challenges in digesting and absorbing protein:

• Less Stomach Acid^[8] and Enzymes: Reduced acid and digestive enzymes mean proteins aren’t broken down as effectively, making it harder for the body to absorb amino acids
  
  
• Slower Digestion: Foods move through the stomach more slowly, causing discomfort and reducing protein absorption. Older adults experience about a 20% slower rate of protein absorption compared to younger individuals.^[8]
  
  
• Protein Indigestion: This slower movement of food through the stomach can lead to protein indigestion, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, frequent burping, gas, and heartburn.^[9]

3. Increased Protein Needs:

• Inflammatory Diseases: Poorly managed chronic diseases like diabetes or cancer can lead to chronic inflammation and muscle breakdown.
  
  
• Oxidative Stress: Oxidative stress accelerates protein degradation and increases the demand for protein to maintain cellular health and function.
  
  
• Immobility: Sedentary behaviour, often due to health constraints, accelerates muscle loss. The lack of physical activity, particularly strength training, decreases the body's ability to use protein effectively for building new muscles.

Unlocking Vitality in the Golden Years: The Power of Protein

Research shows seniors need more protein to stay strong and healthy. ^[4] Several studies have recognized protein as a crucial nutrient for older adults. ^[3,6]

• Preventing Muscle Loss: Keep your muscles strong and functional
  
  
• Boosting Recovery: Recover faster from illness and maintain vitality
  
  
• Enhancing Daily Life: Enjoy daily activities with ease and energy

Many elderly find it challenging to get enough protein from regular meals, so they often turn to oral protein supplements. Protein supplements are convenient to fill the gaps and meet the increased protein needs, especially when food intake alone is insufficient.^[7]

Meet Your New Best Friend: Probiotic Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (BC30^TM)

With the digestive hurdles and protein intake struggles, probiotic BC30 is a game-changer for better protein absorption and use, especially in older adults. Here’s how it can help:

• Boosts Amino Acid Absorption: One study reported that probiotic BC30 significantly improved protein digestion and amino acid absorption when taken together with milk protein concentrate, enabling readily available amino acids for muscle retention.^[10]
  
  
• Supports Digestive Health: Probiotic BC30 helps create a healthier and more efficient gut environment for better nutrient utilization. With a naturally protective outer layer, BC30 can survive the path to the gut allowing it to exert the benefits. By reducing the undigested protein in the digestive tract, one can reduce the occurrence of bloating and discomfort, ultimately a happier dining experience.^[11]
  
  
• Enhances Plant Protein: Makes it easier to get the most out of vegetarian diets. Adding probiotic BC30 to plant protein concentrates has been led to higher levels of amino acids in the blood of healthy, older women, concurring its effectiveness in improving protein intake from alternative sources.^[12]

Introducing Kordel’s BEWELL BC30 Jujubes : Delicious & Functional

Kordel’s BEWELL BC30 Menthobiotic Jujubes are a tasty, easy way to support your digestive health. These chewable jujubes are perfect for seniors who struggle with capsules or tablets. First-of-its-kind probiotic in jujubes form, no refrigeration required.

Why You’ll Love BEWELL BC30 Jujubes:

• Effective at doses as low as 500 million CFU
  
• Boosts Digestion: Enhances digestive enzyme production and amino acid absorption
• Eases Discomfort: Helps with stomach pain, bloating, wind and indigestion
• Supports Protein Intake: Improves digestion from both daily and plant proteins
• Gelatine-Free: Suitable for vegetarians and plant-based diet advocates

How to Enjoy:

Take 1 jujube immediately after a meal or protein-enriched drink, 2-3 times a day.

Kordel’s BEWELL BC30 Jujubes make maintaining health simple and enjoyable. Find them at your nearest pharmacy and help your loved ones enjoy their golden years with renewed energy and vitality!