Research

Mixed

Habitual physical activity prevents the development of anabolic resistance mechanisms (such as reduced capillarity and inflammation) in older adults.

Regular exercise preserves the muscle's sensitivity to protein. This means you don't need to eat more protein than a young person; you just need to eat it effectively (distributed across meals).

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
The primary physiology changes considered to underpin the anabolic resistance of aging are precipitated or exacerbated by physical inactivity... Master athletes are generally considered successful models of aging... possessing similar body composition, muscle mass, and aerobic fitness as untrained adults more than half their age.
Daniel R. Moore · Sports Medicine · 2021

Why this rating

Based on indirect evidence from trained older adults and comparisons with young athletes.

Source

Protein Requirements for Master Athletes: Just Older Versions of Their Younger Selves

Daniel R. Moore · Sports Medicine · 2021

DOI 10.1007/s40279-021-01510-0

narrative_reviewCited 25×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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