Big effect
Whey protein (25g/day) sharply improved expiratory muscle strength in older adults — but the finding comes from a single trial yet to be replicated.
This is the first controlled trial to link whey protein to stronger breathing muscles in the elderly, and the effect was statistically robust — but until other labs confirm it in broader populations, treat it as an intriguing lead, not a settled fact.
In a 3-month randomized trial, older adults who took 25 grams of whey protein daily showed a large, statistically significant improvement in the muscles used to exhale. The same study also reported better overall lung function, lower inflammation markers, and higher levels of a longevity-linked protein called klotho. Because this is the first indexed study on this specific pairing, the results need independent replication before drawing firm conclusions.
Where this fits in the evidence
This is among the first studies we've indexed on Whey Protein for Improved Expiratory Muscle Strength — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.
The study
- Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
- 2026-01-29
- Journal of the American Nutrition Association
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.