Whey Protein Supplementation Improves Lung Function, Functional Capacity and Respiratory and Peripheral Muscle Strength in Healthy Older Adults

Older adults tend to present a reduced amount in the calories and proteins ingestion. This account significantly for an accentuated loss of muscle mass and strength, which may reflect in impaired lung function, respiratory and peripheral strength, and functional capacity. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that whey protein isolate supplementation (25gr/day) for 12 weeks may improve the lung function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, and the functional capacity. To test this hypothesis 43 older adults (n = 22 Control group; without intervention) and (n = 27 Whey group; protein supplementation group) were enrolled in this study. The results demonstrated that whey protein supplementation resulted in improved FEV1 (p<0.048), FEV1/FVC (p<0.0013), FEF25-75% (p<0.0409), PEF (p<0.0027). The functional capacity evaluated by the sit to stand chair 1 minute test revealed that older adults submitted to whey supplementation presented higher number of repetitions (p<0.0031) and decreased oxygen saturation (SpO2) during the test (p<0.01). Such effects may be partially explained by the significant increases in the muscle mass (p<0.0322) while a reduction in body fat was additionally observed (p<0.0027). In addition, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP, p<0.01; MEP, p<0.01) and hand grip strength (p<0.0153) were significantly improved after whey protein supplementation. So, we conclude that 12-week whey protein isolate supplementation results in improved lung function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, and functional capacity in healthy older adults.