Posted on
21 May 2026
Read time
1 minute
This study reviewed existing research to find out whether giving extra protein to older adults improves health outcomes such as muscle strength, muscle mass, physical function, or recovery from illness. The authors analysed 33 high‑level reviews that included results from more than 400 individual studies, covering healthy older people, those with long‑term conditions, and people in hospital.
The findings showed that protein supplements do not provide clear benefits for healthy older adults, whether or not they exercise. However, older people living with long‑term conditions, such as frailty or sarcopenia, do gain modest improvements in muscle strength and mass, especially when protein supplementation is combined with exercise. In hospitalised older patients with hip fractures, protein supplements were linked to fewer medical complications during recovery.
Overall, the study suggests protein supplements should be targeted, rather than routinely recommended for all older adults. These findings, from this work, supported by ACHA Professor Adam Gordon, help guide more personalised nutritional care in later life.
