As people age, more dietary protein is retained in the abdominal organs instead of being delivered to skeletal muscle.
See the scientific wording
Splanchnic sequestration increases with age, resulting in a reduced proportion of dietary protein reaching skeletal muscle.
Correlational — new studies may shift this
One low-scoring study links this claim to the outcome, but causation is not established.
What the research says
1 study reviewedSupporting (1)
Dietary protein splanchnic uptake and digestibility via stable isotope tracers
Narrative ReviewReview2024
As people get older, their belly organs (like the liver and intestines) hold onto more of the protein from food instead of letting it go to muscles. The study found this happens more with age, which matches the claim.
Contradicting (0)
No contradicting studies found yet
That doesn't mean it's settled — it just means no study has tested the opposite.
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As people age, the liver and intestines pull more amino acids out of the blood after a meal, leaving fewer amino acids available to reach muscles. This happens because the organs use more amino acids for their own needs, like making proteins and energy, and they absorb amino acids more efficiently. Less amino acid reaches the muscles, so muscle building slows down.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting study
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