Effects of Protein Supplementation in Older Adults Undergoing Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Methodology

Meta-analysis

Population

9 RCTs, 462 older adults aged 61-79 years

Intervention

RT + protein supplementation vs RT + placebo/no supplement

Findings

In older adults, protein supplementation added only a small significant benefit to fat-free mass and no significant benefit to muscle mass or strength over resistance training alone — the training stimulus itself dominates, arguing against routinely prescribing protein supplements to older RT clients.

Outcome measures

Fat-free mass, muscle mass, muscle strength

Limitations

Only 9 RCTs; low methodological quality of included studies; heterogeneous supplement types/doses; habitual protein intake often uncontrolled.

Original source

DOI: 10.1007/s40279-014-0269-4 · PMID: 25355074