The Impact of Whey Protein Supplementation on Sarcopenia Progression among the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to investigate the role of whey protein supplementation in the functioning of the elderly with sarcopenia. The aim was to investigate the available scientific evidence and determine the best recommendations with respect to whey protein supplementation in sarcopenic patients. Methods: Databases, including CINAHL, Embase PubMed, and Web of Science, were searched from database inception until 31 December 2022 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of whey protein supplementation in the elderly with sarcopenia. Data on study design, risk of bias, patient, illness, and treatment characteristics from each study were independently extracted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The tool “assessing risk of bias” from the Cochrane Handbook was used to evaluate the quality of the included papers. Results: The search identified 629 records; 590 articles were excluded as duplicates or after evaluation at the title or abstract level. Out of 39 full-text articles that were reviewed, 29 were excluded for not fulfilling the inclusion criteria. There is some evidence that whey protein supplementation combined with age-appropriate physical exercise might improve muscle mass and lower limb function in the elderly with sarcopenia. The present meta-analysis demonstrated overall that whey supplementation does not improve any of the tested sarcopenia-linked parameters. However, we found that study duration (weeks) and age significantly affect the handgrip strength rate and the chair and stand test rate, respectively, so consideration should be given to oral supplementation combined with the age of participants and an appropriate physical activity as a form of sarcopenia prevention in the high-risk group.

Benefits and side effects of protein supplementation and exercise in sarcopenic obesity: A scoping review

“…However, recent review studies have indicated that protein supplementation alone may not lead to significant changes in parameters associated with sarcopenia [ 26 , 27 ], which contradicts the findings from previous studies [ 28 ]. On the other hand, a meta-analysis review has shown that exercise training alone or in combination with protein supplementation improved muscle mass, grip strength, reduced total fat mass, as well as waist circumference in individuals with sarcopenia [ 29 ].…”

Impacto da L-leucina e whey protein na sarcopenia: evidências de uma revisão integrativa

“…Estes últimos não somente apoiam a síntese proteica, como também contribuem para a manutenção dos níveis de glicose sanguínea através de mecanismos que podem ou não envolver a insulina. Além disso, o whey protein é notável pela sua rica concentração de leucina, alta digestibilidade e rápida assimilação de aminoácidos, sugerindo um potencial benefício adicional no manejo da sarcopenia em idosos quando comparado à suplementação exclusiva de L-leucina (Kamińska, 2023).…”

Effects of Plant-Based Protein Interventions, with and without an Exercise Component, on Body Composition, Strength and Physical Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…It has also been proposed that priming the muscles with exercise prior to plant-based protein intake may overcome the muscle protein synthesis limitations described; meaning plant-proteins could be a good protein source when coupled with exercise, particularly in this vulnerable population [ 30 ]. However, previous systematic reviews have found that animal protein is still favourable over plant protein for both younger and older adults [ 31 , 32 ], and the majority of systematic reviews in this space have specifically targeted animal-based protein sources such as whey [ 33 , 34 , 35 ].…”