Mixed
Combining protein supplementation with exercise does not provide a robust benefit for bone mineral content (BMC) or density (BMD) in middle-aged and older adults compared to exercise or protein alone.
If your goal is bone health, focus on consistent resistance or weight-bearing exercise and adequate protein intake separately. Adding extra protein supplements on top of your exercise routine does not currently show evidence of providing additional bone density benefits compared to doing just one of those things alone.
Based on our findings, no robust conclusions can be drawn on whether combining protein and exercise interventions is more beneficial for bone health than one component alone.
Why this rating
The evidence is rated as 'low' certainty by the authors due to heterogeneity and small number of studies, but it is a high-quality systematic review.
Source
Effects of combined protein and exercise interventions on bone health in middle-aged and older adults — A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Julia Wolf et al. · Osteoporosis International · 2025
DOI 10.1007/s00198-025-07393-5
Related findings · Mixed
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