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Evidence on protein intake on lean body mass and function in community-dwelling adults aged 50 years and over living with multiple long-term conditions: Systematic review.

  • 2026-08
  • Clinical nutrition ESPEN 74
    • Saima Ahmed
    • Aylish MacKenzie
    • Charlotte Eost-Telling
    • Chloe French
    • Rachel A Christie
    • Ahmadreza Karami
    • Chris Todd
    • Emma Vardy
    • Sorrel Burden
    • Annemarie Money

Study Design

Type
Systematic Review
Sample size
n = 932
Population
community-dwelling older adults aged 50+ years living with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs)
Methods
Systematic review of seven studies on protein intake and body composition/function in older adults with MLTCs; PROSPERO:CRD42024528580

Background

Older adults are at higher risk of developing multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) in later life and diet can play an important role in the development/management of these conditions. Healthy eating policies can improve nutrition in people with MLTCs. However, specialised diets may lead to restrictive eating patterns and lower protein intake.

Objectives

The current evidence around protein intake and MLTCs is limited. This review aims to examine the available evidence on protein intake on body composition and function in older adults with MLTCs.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to assess the impact of protein intake on muscle mass, body mass index, muscle strength and muscle quality in community-dwelling older adults aged 50+ years living with MLTCs (PROSPERO:CRD42024528580).

Results

Seven studies were included in this review (median age 71, range 64-85+ years). Sample sizes ranged from 28 to 932 participants, comprising of community-dwelling adults with chronic kidney disease, sarcopenia, cancer, and obesity. Only two studies had protein intake as their intervention of interest. None of the studies analysed the impact of protein intake on body composition and function in relation to MLTCs.

Conclusion

Evidence examining the impact of protein intake in adults with MLTCs was limited. Protein intake was reported as a patient characteristic for many studies, with inadequate follow-up assessments. Comparability of findings was challenging due to the range of outcome measures used. Future studies need to focus on protein intake as the primary intervention and incorporate long-term post-intervention follow-up periods with adequately powered study samples.

Research Insights

  • Protein→Improved Muscle Mass

    Seven studies were included in this review... Only two studies had protein intake as their intervention of interest. None of the studies analyzed the impact of protein intake on body composition and function in relation to MLTCs.

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
  • Protein→Improved Muscle Quality

    Seven studies were included in this review... Only two studies had protein intake as their intervention of interest. None of the studies analyzed the impact of protein intake on body composition and function in relation to MLTCs.

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
  • Protein→Improved Muscle Strength

    Seven studies were included in this review... Only two studies had protein intake as their intervention of interest. None of the studies analyzed the impact of protein intake on body composition and function in relation to MLTCs.

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
  • Protein→Reduced Body Mass Index

    Seven studies were included in this review... Only two studies had protein intake as their intervention of interest. None of the studies analyzed the impact of protein intake on body composition and function in relation to MLTCs.

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
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