Whey Protein and Improved Handgrip Strength

Research synthesisLow evidenceModerate effect4 studies · 2 beneficial · 2 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 4 studies, 2 reported moderate beneficial effects of whey protein on handgrip strength, while 2 found no significant benefit (small neutral effects). The evidence is mixed, primarily in older adults and clinical populations. No consistent dose or duration was reported.

Studied populations: older adults, especially those with sarcopenia or undergoing resistance training

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 4 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Effect sizes vary and half of studies showed no significant benefit, suggesting clinical significance is unclear.

Generated Jun 11, 2026

4 of 4 papersPopulation:

Comparative Efficacy of Different Protein Supplements on Muscle Mass, Strength, and Physical Indices of Sarcopenia among Community-Dwelling, Hospitalized or Institutionalized Older Adults Undergoing Resistance Training: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
- 2024-03-25
- Systematic Review · n = 5,272
- Nutrients 16(7)
- - Chun-De Liao
  - Shih-Wei Huang
  - Hung-Chou Chen
  - Mao-Hua Huang
  - Tsan-Hon Liou
  - Che-Li Lin
- PubMed: 38612975
- DOI: 10.3390/nu16070941
7 Insights on
- Improved Handgrip Strength
- High evidence
- Rigorous Journal
- Mixed
Among the six protein sources identified in this NMA, namely whey, milk, casein, meat, soy, and peanut, whey supplement yielded the most effective treatments augmenting efficacy of RT on ... handgrip strength
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes
Explore the Optimal Treatment Regimen Across Combinations of Variate Protein Sources and Exercise Modalities and Its Associated Factors in Older Adults: A Network Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression of Randomized Controlled Trials.
- 2026-04-29
- Meta-Analysis · n = 980
- Nutrients 18(9)
- - Che-Li Lin
  - Shih-Wei Huang
  - Hung-Chou Chen
  - Mao-Hua Huang
  - Tsan-Hon Liou
  - Chun-De Liao
- PubMed: 42124009
- DOI: 10.3390/nu18091409
6 Insights on
- Improved Handgrip Strength
- High evidence
- Rigorous Journal
- Elderly
The main outcomes used to identify sarcopenia were assessed, including ... handgrip ... (the abstract does not report a significant finding for handgrip strength for any specific regimen; it only highlights leg strength and physical mobility outcomes, implying no significant effect on handgrip or it was not among the top-ranked outcomes).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Significant
No
Effects of Whey Protein, Leucine, and Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- 2023-01-19
- Meta-Analysis · n = 637
- Nutrients 15(3)
- - Min Cheol Chang
  - Yoo Jin Choo
- PubMed: 36771225
- DOI: 10.3390/nu15030521
3 Insights on
- Improved Handgrip Strength
- High evidence
- Rigorous Journal
- Clinical
no significant differences in grip strength or short physical performance battery (SPPB) scores between the experimental and control groups were noted.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Significant
No
Foods rich in anti-inflammatory components and anti-inflammatory supplements for the prevention and treatment of Sarcopenia in older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
- 2026-06
- Meta-Analysis
- Complementary therapies in medicine 98
- - Shan Li
  - Jiaxue Li
  - Keke Ren
  - Xilin Yang
  - Xinyu Yu
  - Qinghua Zhao
  - Huanhuan Huang
- PubMed: 41796642
- DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103343
3 Insights on
- Improved Handgrip Strength
- High evidence
- Clinical
Network meta-analysis results indicated that whey protein (SMD=0.78, 95% CI: 0.07, 1.48) ... are the most effective measures to improve handgrip strength
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes

Whey Protein and Improved Handgrip Strength

Comparative Efficacy of Different Protein Supplements on Muscle Mass, Strength, and Physical Indices of Sarcopenia among Community-Dwelling, Hospitalized or Institutionalized Older Adults Undergoing Resistance Training: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Explore the Optimal Treatment Regimen Across Combinations of Variate Protein Sources and Exercise Modalities and Its Associated Factors in Older Adults: A Network Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Effects of Whey Protein, Leucine, and Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Foods rich in anti-inflammatory components and anti-inflammatory supplements for the prevention and treatment of Sarcopenia in older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.