Improving sarcopenia in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of whey protein supplementation with or without resistance training.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 38350303 · doi:10.1016/j.jnha.2024.100184
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42023407885) across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library through June 1, 2023. They identified randomized controlled trials evaluating whey protein-enriched supplementation with or without resistance training in older community or hospitalized adults diagnosed with sarcopenia via EWGSOP or AWGS criteria. Pooled effect sizes were estimated as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) compared to isocaloric placebo or routine consultation.
What was found
Ten RCTs comprising 1,154 participants were included. Compared to control, whey protein alone significantly increased appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (SMD: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.71), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (SMD: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.45), and gait speed (SMD: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.44). Whey protein with resistance training significantly increased handgrip strength (SMD: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.29 to 1.04). Secondary outcomes showed whey protein significantly reduced interleukin-6, increased IGF-1 and albumin, increased total energy and protein intake, and improved activities of daily living scores, with no significant effects on BMI, weight, or fat mass.
Why it matters
This review demonstrates that targeted whey protein supplementation improves muscle mass and mobility in older sarcopenic adults, with the addition of resistance training enhancing muscle strength.
Limits
The total sample across 10 trials is modest (1,154 participants) and merges distinct patient populations (hospitalized and community-dwelling). The abstract does not provide specific supplement dosages, exercise protocols, intervention durations, heterogeneity metrics, or risk of bias assessments. Hard clinical endpoints such as falls, fractures, or mortality were not reported.
Cited by
- supports A 2024 meta-analysis found that whey protein supplementation improves skeletal muscle mass in individuals with sarcopenia compared to placebo.