Research points out that if the elderly are not deficient in whey protein supplementation, there will be no additional benefit. Exercise training intensity is the key.

2026/09/16 08:23

Studies have pointed out that if the elderly want to improve their muscle strength, protein supplementation must understand their daily dietary intake to be effective. Wang Siheng, a doctor at Hengxin Rehabilitation Clinic, reminds that it is also key to perform one thing in conjunction; situational photos. (Picture taken from freepik)

[Health Channel/Comprehensive Report] In order to prevent the elderly from losing muscle strength, many family members believe that eating more protein is helpful, and even prepare whey protein supplements. In this regard, Wang Siheng, a physician at Hengxin Rehabilitation Clinic, pointed out that a study on frail elderly people found that if they already consume enough protein and then supplement with whey, their muscle strength, muscle mass, and body function may not be able to gain more benefits; those who are more likely to benefit are those who originally did not eat enough protein. In addition, it is reminded that if you want to increase strength, exercise training intensity is also an indispensable key.

Elderly people drink whey every day, but why are their muscles still weak? In this regard, Wang Siheng posted on the Facebook fan page "One Minute Fitness Classroom" to share that a foreign study included 295 frail elderly people living in the community, with an average age of 73.9 years old, who underwent 12 weeks of training. All subjects performed full-body resistance training twice a week and approached or reached muscle failure; the whey group supplemented with an additional 20 grams of whey protein every day, aiming to increase their daily protein intake to 1.2-1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight.

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Supplementing 20 grams of whey every day does not increase overall muscle strength.

The results showed that the protein intake of the whey group did increase, but compared with the elderly who only did resistance training, there was no additional increase in leg pushing strength, limb muscle mass and body function. After careful analysis of the original data, scientists found that people whose daily protein intake was less than 1.2 grams per kilogram per day, after supplementing with whey, improved their leg pressing strength by about 6.4 kilograms more than those who only did heavy training; those whose protein intake was less than 0.8 grams, improved by 10.9 kilograms.

If the elders don’t have the strength, first look at whether protein and training are enough.

Wang Siheng said that this is not to say that whey is useless, but to remind that the more protein you eat, the better. You should first confirm whether the elders are getting enough. Protein supplementation is only meaningful if you lack a stable source of protein for three meals, your appetite has recently deteriorated, or your weight has continued to drop.

In addition, Wang Siheng also reminded that based on clinical experience, the real problem for many elderly people is still lack of training and insufficient daily physical activity. Therefore, before considering whether to buy whey supplements for your elders, you should not only check the protein intake of three meals, but also pay attention to whether the intensity of exercise training is sufficient, rather than just relying on increasing protein intake in the hope of improving muscle strength.