Research
Hormonal
Whey protein isolate is superior to other protein sources for stimulating muscle protein synthesis in older adults due to its high leucine content.
For older adults, whey protein isolate is an excellent choice for stimulating muscle growth because it is rich in leucine, the key trigger for muscle synthesis. If you cannot consume dairy, combine plant proteins to ensure adequate leucine intake.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Thus, as Table 2 highlights milk-based proteins would be, gram-for-gram, better sources of protein to provide to support the delivery of leucine to support MPS. ... Whey protein isolate ... leucine AARR 2.57
Why this rating
Supported by mechanistic studies on leucine sensitivity and AARR data.
Source
Current Concepts and Unresolved Questions in Dietary Protein Requirements and Supplements in Adults
Stuart M. Phillips · Frontiers in Nutrition · 2017
DOI 10.3389/fnut.2017.00013
narrative_reviewCited 138×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Older adults (65+ years) require higher protein intakes (1.2–1.4 g/kg/day) than the standard RDA (0.8 g/kg/day) to maintain lean body mass and stimulate muscle protein synthesis.Good
- Critically ill patients require significantly higher protein intakes (2.0–2.5 g/kg/day) than standard guidelines (1.2–1.5 g/kg/day) to achieve positive nitrogen balance and potentially improve survival.Moderate
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