Subject: Higher protein intake and handgrip strength in postmenopausal women
What this means
Yes, but the association is small: women with a higher protein intake had slightly higher handgrip strength on average (SMD 0.15, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.20).
C · Interpret with caution. Limited, mixed or hard-to-translate evidence. Useful as direction, not as a rule.
Seven studies totalling 8,922 postmenopausal women showed that higher protein intake is associated with higher handgrip strength (SMD 0.15, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.20, I² = 6%) compared with lower protein intake. The same group also showed a lower body mass index (SMD −0.43, 95% CI −0.68 to −0.18), although heterogeneity there was high (I² = 90%). No significant difference was found for age.
Postmenopausal women.
Seven studies totalling 8,922 women.
This is an association, not proof of cause and effect: the underlying research is observational.
Handgrip strength is often used as a simple proxy for overall muscle strength. This research changes none of the existing agreements about protein intake, but it does support them in a group the library had little on.
Systematic review with meta-analysis of observational research
This is observational research, appraised with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale: an association was found, not a causal relationship. The association is also small, and heterogeneity between studies was high for body mass index.
This information is general education about scientific research. It is not personal medical advice and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor or other healthcare professional. If you have symptoms, a medical condition or take medication, consult your GP or treating professional before changing your training or nutrition.
