Background and aims: Low-grade inflammation is a mediator of muscle proteostasis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of isolated whey and soy proteins on inflammatory markers. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases from inception until September 2021. To determine the effectiveness of isolated proteins on circulating levels of c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), a meta-analysis using a random effects model was used to calculate the pooled effects. (CRD42021252603). Results: Thirty-one RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. A significant reduction of circulating IL-6 levels following whey protein (MD: -0.79, 95%CI: -1.15 – -0.42, I2 = 96%) and TNF-a levels following soy protein supplementation (MD: -0.16, 95%CI: -0.26 – -0.05, I2 = 68%) was observed. The addition of soy isoflavones exerted a further decline of circulating TNF-a levels (MD: -0.20, 95% CI: -0.31 – -0.08, I2 = 34%). According to a subgroup analysis, whey protein led to a statistically significant decrease in circulating IL-6 levels in individuals with sarcopenia and pre-frailty (MD: -0.98, 95% CI: -1.56 – -0.39, I2 = 0%). These findings may be dependent on participant characteristics and treatment duration. Conclusions: These data support that whey and soy protein supplementation elicit anti-inflammatory effects by reducing circulating IL-6 and TNF-a levels, respectively. This effect may be enhanced by soy isoflavones and may be more prominent in individuals with sarcopenia.

Purpose The aim was to investigate the cross-sectional association of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids PUFA (alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) intake with multiple physical functions, muscle mass and fat mass in older women. Method Study subjects were 554 women from the Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention Fracture Prevention Study, with dietary intake assessed with 3-day food record. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical function measures included walking speed 10 m, chair rises, one leg stance, knee extension, handgrip strength and squat. Short physical performance battery (SPPB) score was defined based on the European working group on sarcopenia criteria. Results The multivariable adjusted models showed statistically significant associations for dietary ALA with higher SPPB (β = 0.118, P = 0.024), knee extension force at baseline (β = 0.075, P = 0.037) and lower fat mass (β = − 0.081, P = 0.034), as well as longer one-leg stance (β = 0.119, P = 0.010), higher walking speed (β = 0.113, P = 0.047), and ability to squat to the ground (β = 0.110, P = 0.027) at baseline. Total dietary omega-3 PUFA was associated with better SPPB (β = 0.108, P = 0.039), one-leg stance (β = 0.102, P = 0.041) and ability to squat (β = 0.110, P = 0.028), and with walking speed (β = 0.110, P = 0.028). However, associations for dietary EPA and DHA with physical function and body composition were not significant. Conclusion Dietary omega-3 and ALA, but not EPA and DHA, were positively associated with muscle strength and function in older women. The intake of omega-3 and its subtypes was not associated with muscle mass. Longitudinal studies are needed to show whether omega-3 intake may be important for muscle function in older women.

The purpose of this review is to describe the present evidence for exercise and nutritional interventions as potential contributors in the treatment of sarcopenia and frailty (i.e. muscle mass and physical function decline) and the risk of cardiorenal metabolic comorbidity in people with heart failure (HF). Evidence primarily from cross‐sectional studies suggests that the prevalence of sarcopenia in people with HF is 37% for men and 33% for women, which contributes to cardiac cachexia, frailty, lower quality of life, and increased mortality rate. We explored the impact of resistance and aerobic exercise, and nutrition on measures of sarcopenia and frailty, and quality of life following the assessment of 35 systematic reviews and meta‐analyses. The majority of clinical trials have focused on resistance, aerobic, and concurrent exercise to counteract the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength in people with HF, while promising effects have also been shown via utilization of vitamin D and iron supplementation by reducing tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐a), c‐reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels. Experimental studies combining the concomitant effect of exercise and nutrition on measures of sarcopenia and frailty in people with HF are scarce. There is a pressing need for further research and well‐designed clinical trials incorporating the anabolic and anti‐catabolic effects of concurrent exercise and nutrition strategies in people with HF.