The Claim

Combined nutritional supplementation and resistance training does not significantly increase muscle mass in women across reproductive stages, as evidenced by no meaningful changes in skeletal muscle mass (Hedges' g=0.065, 95% CI: -0.353 to 0.482), appendicular lean mass (g=0.197, 95% CI: -0.177 to 0.571), or fat-free mass (g=0.069, 95% CI: -0.110 to 0.249) across 14 randomized trials involving 763 women.

Source: Nutritional Supplementation Combined with Exercise for Musculoskeletal Health in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Evaluating Proteins, Amino Acids, and Creatine across Reproductive Stages

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
64score
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.

Quantitative
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In women at different reproductive stages, combining nutritional supplements with resistance training does not result in measurable increases in muscle mass, lean mass, or fat-free mass.

See the scientific wording

Combined nutritional supplementation and resistance training does not significantly increase muscle mass in women across reproductive stages, as evidenced by no meaningful changes in skeletal muscle mass (Hedges' g=0.065, 95% CI: -0.353 to 0.482), appendicular lean mass (g=0.197, 95% CI: -0.177 to 0.571), or fat-free mass (g=0.069, 95% CI: -0.110 to 0.249) across 14 randomized trials involving 763 women.

Why this might work

When estrogen levels drop, the body produces more inflammatory signals that block the muscle's ability to build new protein, even when the person lifts weights and eats extra protein or creatine. The muscle cells stop responding to the signals that tell them to grow, so no new muscle tissue forms.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Nutritional Supplementation Combined with Exercise for Musculoskeletal Health in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Evaluating Proteins, Amino Acids, and Creatine across Reproductive Stages

    When women took protein, amino acid, or creatine supplements along with strength training, their muscles didn't get noticeably bigger—just a little stronger in their arms and hands. So, the supplements didn't help build more muscle.

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.