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

2023-01-19
Nutrients 15(3)
- Min Cheol Chang
- Yoo Jin Choo

PubMed: 36771225
DOI: 10.3390/nu15030521

Study Design

Type: Meta-Analysis
Sample size: n = 637
Population: 637 patients with sarcopenia
Methods: Searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus databases for randomized controlled trials evaluating whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation

Rigorous Journal

(1) Background: In this study, a meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effects of whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D in sarcopenia; (2) Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus databases and retrieved studies published until 5 December 2022. Randomized controlled trials were included to evaluate muscle mass, strength, and function, after using whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation in patients with sarcopenia; (3) Results: A total of three studies including 637 patients reported the effectiveness of using whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation in patients with sarcopenia. Without considering whether or not a physical exercise program was combined with nutritional supplementation, no significant differences in grip strength or short physical performance battery (SPPB) scores between the experimental and control groups were noted. However, appendicular muscle mass significantly improved in the experimental group compared to the control group. The results were analyzed according to the presence or absence of a concomitant physical exercise program. With the use of a concomitant physical exercise program, handgrip strength and SPPB scores in the experimental group significantly improved when compared to the control group. In contrast, when physical exercise was not combined, there was no significant improvement in the handgrip strength and SPPB scores of patients with sarcopenia. In addition, the appendicular muscle mass significantly increased regardless of the presence of a concomitant physical exercise program; (4) Conclusions: Whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation can increase appendicular muscle mass in patients with sarcopenia. In addition, combining a physical exercise program with whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation can improve muscle strength and function.

Research Insights

L-Leucine→Improved Appendicular Muscle Mass
appendicular muscle mass significantly improved in the experimental group compared to the control group.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
L-Leucine→Improved Handgrip Strength
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
L-Leucine→Improved Short Physical Performance Battery Score
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
Vitamin D→Improved Appendicular Muscle Mass
appendicular muscle mass significantly improved in the experimental group compared to the control group.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Vitamin D→Improved Handgrip Strength
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
Vitamin D→Improved Short Physical Performance Battery Score
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
Whey Protein→Improved Appendicular Muscle Mass
appendicular muscle mass significantly improved in the experimental group compared to the control group.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Whey Protein→Improved Handgrip Strength
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
Whey Protein→Improved Short Physical Performance Battery Score
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