Research
Cellular
Protein supplementation combined with resistance training significantly enhanced muscle strength (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.69) and muscle mass (MD = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.70).
Practitioners should consider recommending protein supplementation alongside resistance training for older adults to enhance muscle strength and mass.
StrongSupportsmedium confidence
Compared with resistance training alone, protein supplementation combined with resistance training significantly enhanced muscle strength [Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.20,0.69] and muscle mass [Mean Difference (MD) = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.04,0.70].
Why this rating
Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.
Source
The impact of nutritional intervention and resistance training on muscle strength and mass in healthy older adults—a comparative analysis
Yong Ma et al. · Frontiers in Nutrition · 2025
DOI 10.3389/fnut.2025.1640858
Meta-analysisCited 1×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Creatine supplementation demonstrated non-significant effects on muscle strength (SMD = 0.03, 95% CI: -0.35, 0.42) but yielded the most pronounced improvement in muscle mass (MD = 2.18, 95% CI: 0.92, 3.44).Strong
- HMB supplementation failed to demonstrate significant benefits for muscle strength (SMD = -0.22, 95% CI: -0.57, 0.12) or mass outcomes (MD = 0.05, 95% CI: -0.33, 0.44).Strong
Related findings · Cellular
- Athletes aiming to reduce fat mass and preserve FFM should consume protein intakes in the range of ∼1.8-2.7 g kg(-1) d(-1).Strong
- A minimum daily protein intake of ≥1.6 g/kg is necessary to observe significant improvements in muscle mass from whey protein supplementation.Strong
- Most athletes ideally need 1.2 to 2.0 grams/kg of body weight/day of protein, preferably split across 3-4 meals.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →