topicEssential Amino Acids Muscle Protein Synthesis Meta-Analysis
claimObjective This systematic review and network meta-analysis compared the additional effects of different protein or protein-related supplementation strategies combined with resistance or functional exercise on grip strength, appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), and timed up-and-go (TUG) performance in older adults with sarcopenia or at high risk of sarcopenia.
evidence level1
citationYang B (2026)
sourceComparative effectiveness of protein or protein-related supplementation combined with resistance or functional exercise for sarcopenia in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
topicEssential Amino Acids Muscle Protein Synthesis Meta-Analysis
claimPairwise meta-analysis showed that supplementation added to exercise significantly improved grip strength (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.58) and ASMI (SMD = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.35), but not timed up-and-go (TUG) performance (SMD = -0.39, 95% CI: -0.96 to 0.18).
evidence level1
citationYang B (2026)
sourceComparative effectiveness of protein or protein-related supplementation combined with resistance or functional exercise for sarcopenia in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
topicEssential Amino Acids Muscle Protein Synthesis Meta-Analysis
claimThe combination of whey protein/essential amino acids and vitamin D with functional exercise showed a potential improvement in TUG performance; however, this finding was based on limited evidence and may largely reflect the contribution of functional exercise components.
evidence level1
citationYang B (2026)
sourceComparative effectiveness of protein or protein-related supplementation combined with resistance or functional exercise for sarcopenia in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
topicEssential Amino Acids Muscle Protein Synthesis Meta-Analysis
claimBackground Resistance and functional exercise are core non-pharmacological strategies for sarcopenia management.
evidence level1
citationYang B (2026)
sourceComparative effectiveness of protein or protein-related supplementation combined with resistance or functional exercise for sarcopenia in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
topicEssential Amino Acids Muscle Protein Synthesis Meta-Analysis
claimLEAA mixtures are defined here as oral supplements containing all nine indispensable amino acids with about 40% or more leucine by weight; studies of leucine-enriched branched-chain amino acids, free leucine, and leucine-enriched protein are treated as indirect evidence.
evidence level4
citationNagao K (2026)
sourceLeucine-Enriched Essential Amino Acids in Clinical Practice: A Narrative Review.
topicEssential Amino Acids Muscle Protein Synthesis Meta-Analysis
claimFunction improved when LEAA was combined with exercise, but exercise was given in all such trials, so the effect of LEAA alone is unclear.
evidence level4
citationNagao K (2026)
sourceLeucine-Enriched Essential Amino Acids in Clinical Practice: A Narrative Review.
topicEssential Amino Acids Muscle Protein Synthesis Meta-Analysis
claimEvidence for long-term benefits that patients can feel is still limited, and safety has not been assessed systematically.
evidence level4
citationNagao K (2026)
sourceLeucine-Enriched Essential Amino Acids in Clinical Practice: A Narrative Review.
topicEssential Amino Acids Muscle Protein Synthesis Meta-Analysis
claimMuscle wasting driven by aging, chronic disease, or intensive exercise undermines mobility, metabolic health, and survival-yet the people who lose the most muscle are often those least able to eat more protein.
evidence level4
citationNagao K (2026)
sourceLeucine-Enriched Essential Amino Acids in Clinical Practice: A Narrative Review.