The Claim

In healthy elderly men over 70 years of age, consuming 1.6 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day for 10 weeks compared to 0.8 g/kg/day results in a modest increase in whole-body lean mass (mean difference: +1.49 kg), appendicular lean mass (mean difference: +0.75 kg), and improved knee-extension peak power (mean difference: +38.3 W), independent of energy balance.

Source: The effects of dietary protein intake on appendicular lean mass and muscle function in elderly men: a 10-wk randomized controlled trial.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
66score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Among healthy men over 70, eating 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily for 10 weeks increases whole-body lean mass by 1.49 kg, arm and leg lean mass by 0.75 kg, and knee-extension power by 38.3 watts compared to eating 0.8 grams per kilogram per day, regardless of total calorie intake.

See the scientific wording

In healthy elderly men over 70 years of age, consuming 1.6 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day for 10 weeks, compared to 0.8 g/kg/day, leads to a modest increase in whole-body lean mass (mean difference: +1.49 kg) and appendicular lean mass (mean difference: +0.75 kg), as well as improved knee-extension peak power (mean difference: +38.3 W), independent of energy balance.

Why this might work

Eating more protein raises amino acid levels in the blood, which turns on a cellular switch that tells muscle cells to build more protein. Over time, this adds muscle tissue to the body, especially in the limbs and trunk. More muscle means more force can be generated, and the nerves controlling the muscles also work more efficiently, making leg movements stronger and faster.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: The effects of dietary protein intake on appendicular lean mass and muscle function in elderly men: a 10-wk randomized controlled trial.

    In older men, eating twice as much protein as usual for 10 weeks helped them gain muscle and get stronger in their legs—even when they weren’t eating enough calories. The study proves this works.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.