Protein Supplementation for Strength and Functionality in Older Adults: Is There Still Any Doubt? A Brief Update Review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to review the effects of protein supplementation combined with resistance training on muscle strength and functional performance in older adults.
Results Summary
The study found mixed results regarding the benefits of protein supplementation for healthy older adults with adequate protein intake, suggesting no significant additional benefit. Further research is needed for specific subgroups like the very old, frail, or those with inadequate protein consumption.
Population
Older adults, with potential focus on subgroups like the very old, frail, or obese.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
resistance training | decrease | the sarcopenia process | older individuals | - | are important strategies to mitigate | #1 |
proper protein intake | decrease | the sarcopenia process | older individuals | - | are important strategies to mitigate | #2 |
protein supplementation (PS) | no change | muscle strength and functional performance | this population | - | has shown mixed results | #3 |
PS | no change | - | healthy older adults with proper protein intake | - | do not seem to support | #4 |
It is widely known that the aging process induces relevant impairments on both muscle morphology and function. In this sense, resistance training alongside proper protein intake are important strategies to mitigate the sarcopenia process in older individuals. However, adding protein supplementation (PS) to resistance training interventions for enhancing muscle strength and functional performance has shown mixed results in this population. Therefore, the present study aimed to review the most recent evidence regarding PS and its effects on muscle strength and functional parameters of older adults. In addition, the effect size of each individual study (post-pre intervention) was also calculated to provide further clinical relevance on the topic. The results of the studies included do not seem to support PS for healthy older adults with proper protein intake. However, further studies with other sample characteristics (very old, frail, obese, and inadequate protein consumption) must be carried out to better understand the effects of PS in an older population.