The Study
Relationship between different protein intake recommendations with muscle mass and muscle strength
This study looked at two groups of older women and noticed that those who ate more protein also had stronger muscles. But it didn’t make them eat more protein — they already did. So we don’t know if the protein made their muscles stronger, or if they were just more active or ate better overall.
Analysis score
Maximum 44 for a cross-sectional study.
Where the score came from
Scientists looked at older women and found those who ate more protein per day were stronger in their hands and legs, even though their muscle size was the same as women who ate less protein.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 528 / 100
Quality score
Snapshots of a population at a single point in time, or descriptions of small groups. Can identify correlations and prevalence, but cannot determine cause and effect.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Yes—this suggests that for older women, eating more protein may help them stay stronger for daily tasks like opening jars or standing up, even if their muscles don’t look bigger.
- 2Women eating 1.2+ grams of protein per kg of body weight had stronger hand grip and knee muscles than women eating 0.8–1.19 grams per kg, even though both groups had the same amount of muscle mass.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
Climacteric
Year
2014
Authors
F. Lemieux, Marie‐Eve Filion, S. Barbat‐Artigas, A. Karelis, Mylène Aubertin-Leheudre
Related Content
Claims (2)
People who consume about 1.3 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight and include dairy while eating fewer calories maintain their strength levels.
Postmenopausal women who consume at least 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily have stronger hand grip and knee extensor muscles than those who consume 0.8 to 1.19 grams per kilogram daily, even though both groups have the same amount of skeletal muscle mass.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.