Skip to main content
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Pillser
Search
Sign UpLog In

Supplementation with Whey Protein, but Not Pea Protein, Reduces Muscle Damage Following Long-Distance Walking in Older Adults.

  • 2023-01-10
  • Nutrients 15(2)
    • Marcia Spoelder
    • Lotte Koopmans
    • Yvonne A W Hartman
    • Coen C W G Bongers
    • Merle C A Schoofs
    • Thijs M H Eijsvogels
    • Maria T E Hopman

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size
n = 15
Population
47 Physically active older adults (60+ years)
Methods
Randomly allocated to whey protein (25 g/day), pea protein (25 g/day) or iso-caloric placebo, blood measurements pre and 24h, 48h, 72h post long-distance walking bout (20-30 km)
Duration
13 days
  • Rigorous Journal
Background: Adequate animal-based protein intake can attenuate exercise induced-muscle damage (EIMD) in young adults. We examined the effects of 13 days plant-based (pea) protein supplementation compared to whey protein and placebo on EIMD in active older adults. Methods: 47 Physically active older adults (60+ years) were randomly allocated to the following groups: (I) whey protein (25 g/day), (II) pea protein (25 g/day) or (III) iso-caloric placebo. Blood concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle soreness were measured prior to and 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after a long-distance walking bout (20−30 km). Results: Participants walked 20−30 km and 2 dropped out, leaving n = 15 per subgroup. The whey group showed a significant attenuation of the increase in EIMD at 24 h post-exercise compared to the pea and placebo group (CK concentration: 175 ± 90 versus 300 ± 309 versus 330 ± 165, p = p < 0.001). No differences in LDH levels, muscle strength, skeletal muscle mass and muscle soreness were observed across groups (all p-values > 0.05). Conclusions: Thirteen days of pea protein supplementation (25 g/day) does not attenuate EIMD in older adults following a single bout of prolonged walking exercise, whereas the whey protein supplementation group showed significantly lower post-exercise CK concentrations.

Research Insights

  • Whey Protein→Reduced Muscle Damage

    The whey group showed a significant attenuation of the increase in EIMD at 24 h post-exercise compared to the pea and placebo group (CK concentration: 175 ± 90 versus 300 ± 309 versus 330 ± 165, p = p < 0.001).

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Large
    Dose
    25 g/day
Back to top