Hormonal

In healthy elderly individuals, the combination of amino acids and glucose-induced hyperinsulinemia fails to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, resulting in a blunted anabolic response compared to young adults.

For older adults, consuming protein alongside carbohydrates (like in typical mixed meals or standard supplements) may not build muscle because the insulin response blocks the muscle-building signal. To potentially maximize muscle protein synthesis, older adults might benefit from consuming amino acids or protein without concurrent carbohydrate intake, as the addition of glucose appears to blunt the anabolic response in aging muscle.