Effects of protein supplementation and exercise on delaying sarcopenia in healthy older individuals in Asian and non-Asian countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Lu Li; Yueyue He; Nini Jin; He Li; Xinqi Liu

doi:10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100210

Effects of protein supplementation and exercise on delaying sarcopenia in healthy older individuals in Asian and non-Asian countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Food Chem X. 2022 Jan 20:13:100210. doi: 10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100210. eCollection 2022 Mar 30.

Authors

Lu Li¹, Yueyue He¹, Nini Jin¹, He Li¹, Xinqi Liu¹

Affiliation

¹ Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, National Soybean Processing Industry Technology Innovation Center, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.

Abstract

While there is growing research interest in the effects of nutrition and exercise on delaying sarcopenia, the results are inconclusive and there is scarce information on regional patterns. This review evaluated the effects of the combination of protein supplementation and exercise on muscle strength, mass and physical performance, compared to exercise alone or with a placebo, in healthy older adults in Asian and non-Asian countries. Fourteen studies were included in the analysis, involving a total of 888 healthy older adults (>60 years). A significant increase in the lower-extremity strength was observed in the combined intervention group compared to the exercise group in Asian countries (SMD: 0.24, 95% CI [0.00, 0.47], p = 0.048, I² = 0.0%). No statistical differences were found relating to upper-extremity strength, muscle mass and physical performance. Protein supplementation combined with exercise provides additional benefit on lower-extremity strength in healthy older adults with sarcopenia in Asian countries.

Keywords: Exercise; Muscle strength; Older adults; Protein; Sarcopenia.

Publication types

Review