Mixed
The effectiveness of protein supplementation on lean mass and strength is significantly higher in sarcopenic and frail older adults compared to overweight or obese older adults.
If you are an older adult who is frail, sarcopenic, or institutionalized, adding protein supplements to your resistance training is more likely to help you build lean mass and strength. If you are overweight or obese, you may not see these benefits, as your body's response to protein may be blunted by excess weight and lower activity levels.
The lack of an effect was skewed in studies with a higher proportion of obese and overweight participants and somewhat less noticeable in those containing sarcopenic and frail older adults, who would have the greatest need for an intervention to enhance muscle mass.
Why this rating
Based on subgroup analyses across 13 meta-analyses, showing a clear trend.
Source
Role of ingested amino acids/protein in the promotion of resistance exercise-training adaptations in aging: analysis of meta-analyses
Abbas Doctor et al. · Nutrition and Healthy Aging · 2022
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