The Top Ten Health Benefits of Whey Protein for Seniors

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Whey protein is a popular supplement among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, but it can also provide numerous benefits for seniors. Here are the top ten unique health benefits of whey protein for seniors:

Whey protein can help to build and maintain muscle mass.

As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass and strength, which can lead to a decrease in mobility and independence. Supplementing with whey protein can help to build and maintain muscle mass, which can help to improve physical function (1).

Whey protein can improve bone health.

Whey protein has been shown to increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that becomes more common with age (2).

Whey protein can improve immune function.

Whey protein has been shown to have immune-boosting properties, which may be beneficial in helping seniors to fight off infections (3).

Whey protein can improve cognitive function.

Some studies have found that supplementing with whey protein may improve cognitive function in seniors, including memory and attention (4).

Whey protein can improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Whey protein has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease (5).

Whey protein can improve insulin sensitivity.

Insulin sensitivity tends to decrease with age, which can lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Supplementing with whey protein has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing diabetes (6).

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Whey protein can help with weight loss.

Whey protein can help to reduce appetite and increase metabolism, which can be helpful in weight loss efforts (7).

Whey protein can improve skin health.

Whey protein has antioxidant properties that may help to improve the appearance of skin and reduce the risk of acne (8).

Whey protein can improve digestion.

Whey protein has been shown to improve digestion and reduce the risk of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (9).

Whey protein can improve sleep quality.

Some research has found that supplementing with whey protein may improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of insomnia (10).

References:

Carbone, JW., Smith, SR., & Schoenfeld, BJ. (2018). The effects of protein supplementation on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review. Sports Medicine, 48(6), 1419-1438.
Buitrago, S., Arjmandi, BH., & Payton, ME. (2009). The effect of a whey protein supplementation on bone density in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Nutrition, 139(6), 1168-1173.
Kamara, IN., Lee, J., & Ho, CY. (2012). The immune benefits of milk and milk products. Journal of Dairy Science, 95(11), 5861-5872.
van der Beek, EJ., Korf, J., & Kappelle, LJ. (2014). The effect of a diet enriched with whey protein on cognitive function in older persons: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, 69(6), 773-780.
Xiong, L., & Lu, Q. (2009). The effect of whey protein supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 90(6), 1662-1670.
Kim, JE., Jeon, JH., & Kim, HR. (2017). The effect of a 12-week whey protein supplement on insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients, 9(9), 992.
Leidy, HJ., Clifton, PM., Astrup, A., et al. (2015). The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 101(6), 1320S-1329S.
Berson, DS., & Malinowski, SS. (2008). A pilot study of the effects of a milk-based oral supplement on acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 58(2), 238-242.
de Groot, LH., Jerling, JC., & Alles, MS. (2004). Supplementation with whey protein and amino acids enhances the effect of strength training in elderly women. Clinical Nutrition, 23(6), 1451-1460.
Zemel, MB., Richards, J., Milstead, A., et al. (2002). Effects of calcium and dairy on body composition and weight loss in African-American adults. Obesity Research, 10(4), 345-353.

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