Researchers in Korea found that protein-enriched oral nutrition supplementation (ONS) led to greater change in lean body mass and lesser fat mass among middle-aged and older women
This was according to findings from a double-blind randomised controlled trial (RCT) funded by Daesang Wellife Corp.
“Protein-enriched ONS helped maintain LBM [lean body mass] and prevent FM [fat mass] gain in middle-aged and elderly females. This suggests its potential role in preventing frailty and musculoskeletal disorders associated with female aging,” wrote researchers in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging.
Middle-aged and older women experience greater muscle mass and strength decline than men of the same age, along with increased visceral fat. This is linked to estrogen’s impact on protein synthesis, degradation, and muscle function. As a result, preventing muscle loss is especially important for women in this age group.
Studies have suggested that supplementation of nutrients such as protein and vitamins may be helpful in preventing sarcopenia and improving muscle mass and strength. However, clinical evidence remains limited.
This study therefore aimed to evaluate the effects of protein-enriched ONS consumption for 12 weeks on muscle mass, muscular strength, and function in middle-aged and elderly women.
Effects of protein supplementation
This study was conducted with 70 healthy female participants aged 50–80.
They were randomised into two groups.
One group took the test ONS, Nucare Active by Daesang Wellife Corp. Each pack contained 15g protein and includes 2000mg branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) as the main components. Additionally, it is nutritionally balanced with 23 g carbohydrate, 6 g fat, and 15 g protein.
The other group took the placebo ONS, which contains less protein compared to the test ONS and does not include BCAAs. Each pack of the placebo ONS contains 33g carbohydrates, 1g protein, and 8g fat.
Participants were instructed to consume two packs daily for 12 weeks while maintaining their regular lifestyle.
The main objective (primary outcome) was to investigate the effects of protein-enriched ONS on lean body mass (LBM). Other aspects that were observed (secondary outcomes) included muscular strength, physical performance ability, inflammatory markers, and body fat mass (FM).
The two groups showed clear differences in body composition changes, with one group maintaining more muscle and less fat.
The test group exhibited a significantly higher percentage change in LBM at 0.26% compared to the placebo group, which showed a reduction of LBM at −0.47%.
The placebo group also experienced a significant increase in FM from 38.15% to 38.67%, while the test group showed a decrease in FM from 36.68% to 36.43%.
Most participants were in their 60s, so differences in physical activity levels were not due to age. Both groups had moderate activity levels at the start and after 12 weeks, with no significant changes. This suggests that the increase in muscle mass and decrease in body fat over 12 weeks were due to ONS supplementation, not physical activity levels.
However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of muscular strength, physical performance ability, or inflammatory markers. This could be attributed to the lack of intervention targeting physical activity, said researchers.
“In conclusion, protein-enriched ONS containing BCAAs had a positive effect on improving nutritional status. Furthermore, ONS demonstrated an improvement in body composition by increasing lean body mass and reducing fat mass.
“These changes in body composition are expected to have a long-term effect on preventing sarcopenia and improving muscle health according to the natural decrease in muscle mass due to aging,” said researchers.
Source: The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnha.2025.100508
“Effectiveness of Protein-enriched oral nutritional supplements on muscle function in middle-aged and elderly women: A randomized controlled trial”
Authors: Minji Kang, Hyunkyung Rho et al.
