Low protein consumption linked to weaker muscle strength in older adults, study finds

Scientists studying a large, multicountry study of older adults have found that consuming less protein-rich food may negatively impact physical functioning for aging individuals, which emphasizes protein’s vital role in preserving mobility and muscle strength throughout adulthood. 

The evidence linked people who frequently consumed lower amounts of protein-rich foods, such as eggs, legumes, fish, and chicken, to a higher likelihood of developing reduced muscle strength and increased difficulty in performing everyday activities over time.

The study published in Nutrients found that regular dietary habits, particularly consuming protein-rich foods, may influence how well individuals move and perform daily activities later in life. 

“The findings showed that individuals with consistently low protein intake were more likely to report problems with walking short distances, climbing stairs, reaching overhead, or managing routine tasks such as shopping,” says Dr. Rizwan Qaisar, associate professor of muscle cell physiology at the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“These associations were particularly noticeable in older adults, and patterns differed somewhat between men and women.”

The authors emphasize that these limitations not only diminish independence and quality of life but also elevate the risk of falls, hospitalization, and placement in long-term care facilities. “Functional decline is multifactorial, involving musculoskeletal deterioration, neurological changes, and nutritional deficiencies,” they note.

Diet and physical impairment

The study examined real-world dietary patterns rather than supplements or restrictive diets. It highlights how everyday foods, such as milk, yogurt, eggs, legumes, fish, and poultry, may collectively support healthier aging when consumed regularly.

“Simple movements such as walking, standing up, or carrying groceries require muscle strength, balance, and coordination,” explains Qaisar. “When protein intake is low over long periods, the body may struggle to maintain these systems, increasing the risk of functional decline and loss of independence.”

The link between protein intake and handgrip strength was stronger in men, whereas functional limitations were more commonly reported among women.The research team, comprising scientists from the UAE, Denmark, Finland, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Austria, analyzed data from more than 38,000 adults aged 50 and above from 27 European countries.

The data were drawn from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe. Participants were followed over several years, allowing researchers to compare their long-term eating habits with changes in physical strength and daily functioning.

The study found that lower habitual protein intake was independently associated with higher odds of reduced handgrip strength and difficulty performing mobility-related activities.

“These findings indicate an association between habitual protein intake and short-term changes,” the authors note.

Gender disparities

The link between protein intake and handgrip strength was stronger in men, whereas functional limitations were more commonly reported among women.

The researchers note these differences may reflect sex-specific variations in muscle mass, hormonal profiles, and activity patterns, as well as gender-specific vulnerability in musculoskeletal function.

“Men with a higher baseline lean mass may experience greater measurable strength loss when protein intake is insufficient,” they highlight. “In contrast, women with lower muscle mass may exhibit functional limitations earlier.”

For stooping, kneeling, or crouching, the negative impact of less protein consumption was significant only among women. Reaching above shoulder level was also more difficult for those with low protein intake, especially women aged 50–65.

Tasks requiring strength, such as pulling or pushing large objects, were significantly affected in men, while the association was not statistically significant in women.

Men with more initial muscle lose more measurable strength from low protein, while women with less muscle may suffer functional limits sooner.For bathing or showering, older men with low protein intake had significantly higher odds of difficulty, while other groups showed an elevated but statistically insignificant hardship. Women aged 50–65 had over twice the odds of toileting difficulty, finds the study.

Finally, shopping for groceries was significantly impacted in women, while the researchers did not find a statistically significant association for men.

Moreover, the study highlights that older European women often consume smaller meals and fewer protein-rich foods than men, which contributes to their lower total intake. The authors say these gender-related disparities should be considered in nutritional guidelines and public health interventions aimed at promoting healthy aging.

Implications for early screening protocols

Qaisar stresses that protein is not solely important for athletes building muscle. He says the findings suggest that consistent intake from common dietary sources plays a crucial role in maintaining strength and the capacity to perform everyday activities across a person’s lifetime.

As populations age worldwide, the authors suggest that attention to simple lifestyle factors, such as routine food choices, may help delay physical decline and support longer periods of active, independent living.

“Altogether, this study demonstrates that lower habitual protein intake is associated with a higher likelihood of short-term incident muscle weakness and functional difficulties among older European adults,” share the authors.

“These findings suggest that habitual protein intake may play a contributory role in maintaining physical function in aging populations.”

The researchers stress that identifying older adults with low protein intake could provide an opportunity for early, low-cost interventions aimed at preserving mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

“Functional decline and sarcopenia are major aging-related concerns. While protein intake is known to influence muscle health, its longitudinal impact on strength and physical function across age and gender remains underexplored,” they note.