Improving sarcopenia in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of whey protein supplementation with or without resistance training.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to analyze the effects of whey protein supplementation with or without resistance training on muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in older patients with sarcopenia.
Results Summary
Whey protein significantly improved muscle mass, gait speed, and handgrip strength when combined with resistance training. It also reduced interleukin-6, increased insulin-like growth factor-1 and albumin, and enhanced energy and protein intake without affecting BMI, weight, or fat mass.
Population
Older patients (community or hospital-based) diagnosed with sarcopenia according to EWGSOP or AWGS criteria.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
whey protein (WP)-enriched supplement intake | increase | appendicular skeletal muscle mass index | older patients with sarcopenia | SMD: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.23, 0.71 | significantly increased | #1 |
whey protein (WP)-enriched supplement intake | increase | appendicular skeletal muscle mass | older patients with sarcopenia | SMD: 0.28, 95%CI: 0.11, 0.45 | significantly increased | #2 |
whey protein (WP)-enriched supplement intake | increase | gait speed | older patients with sarcopenia | SMD: 1.13, 95%CI: 0.82, 1.44 | significantly increased | #3 |
whey protein (WP)-enriched supplement intake with resistance training (RT) | increase | handgrip strength | older patients with sarcopenia | SMD: 0.67, 95%CI: 0.29, 1.04 | significant increase | #4 |
whey protein (WP)-enriched supplement intake | decrease | interleukin-6 | older patients with sarcopenia | - | significantly reduced | #5 |
whey protein (WP)-enriched supplement intake | increase | insulin-like growth factor-1 | older patients with sarcopenia | - | significantly increased | #6 |
whey protein (WP)-enriched supplement intake | increase | albumin | older patients with sarcopenia | - | significantly increased | #7 |
whey protein (WP)-enriched supplement intake | increase | participants' intake of total energy | older patients with sarcopenia | - | promoted | #8 |
whey protein (WP)-enriched supplement intake | increase | participants' intake of protein | older patients with sarcopenia | - | promoted | #9 |
whey protein (WP)-enriched supplement intake | increase | activities of daily living scores | patients | - | enhanced | #10 |
whey protein (WP)-enriched supplement intake | no change | BMI | older patients with sarcopenia | - | had no significant effect | #11 |
whey protein (WP)-enriched supplement intake | no change | weight | older patients with sarcopenia | - | had no significant effect | #12 |
whey protein (WP)-enriched supplement intake | no change | fat mass | older patients with sarcopenia | - | had no significant effect | #13 |
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to comprehensively analyze the effects of whey protein (WP)-enriched supplement intake with or without resistance training (RT) in older patients, either from the community or hospital, who were diagnosed with sarcopenia according to the EWGSOP or AWGS criteria. METHODS: This meta-analysis study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023407885). We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for RCTs up to June 1, 2023. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to estimate the pooled results. RESULTS: Ten RCT studies, including 1154 participants, were included and analyzed. The primary outcomes were the changes in muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. In WP group versus (vs.) Isocaloric placebo (PLA)/Routine consultation (RC) group, WP significantly increased the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (SMD: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.23, 0.71), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (SMD: 0.28, 95%CI: 0.11, 0.45) and gait speed (SMD: 1.13, 95%CI: 0.82, 1.44) in older patients with sarcopenia. In WP with RT group vs. PLA/ RC group, there was significant increase in handgrip strength (SMD: 0.67, 95%CI: 0.29, 1.04). In addition, in the secondary outcomes, WP significantly reduced interleukin-6, significantly increased insulin-like growth factor-1 and albumin, promoted participants' intake of total energy and protein, enhanced activities of daily living scores in patients, and had no significant effect on BMI, weight, or fat mass. CONCLUSION: This review confirms that WP can improve various aspects of older adult with sarcopenia, thereby enhancing their overall physical condition. More studies should be conducted to validate this result and further explore the effects of WP and RT in patients with sarcopenia.