Physicians have been singing the praises of protein supplements for strength and endurance athletes. Their benefits are manifold: they can help to repair damaged muscles more rapidly and allow the tissue to rebuild bigger and stronger. Recently, scientists have been looking into the unique benefits of these supplements for non-athletes, women, and people over the age of 40 as well. One of the most recent points of interest on the topic, though, is whether or not protein powder can add to a person’s life expectancy – and if so, how?

It’s often recommended that, starting from the middle-age years, people begin consuming protein powder on a daily basis whether they train athletically or not. In simple truth, the supplement gives a person healthier, more comfortable years after 40 to look forward to. In nourishing the muscles, the bones are provided with better support and cushioning which could reduce the risk of bone loss as well as take impact off of the joints and ease the general aches and pains of aging. It also makes it easier for an older person to remain active.
However, in a recent study, a researcher named Enzo Nisoli gave “middle-aged” mice an amino acid solution, which contained leucine, isoleucine and valine – the “branched-chain amino acids”, found in high concentration in all natural whey protein. The solution he administered was intended to mimic a protein supplement. The mice who received the supplement lived, on average, 80 days longer than an average mouse’s lifespan. In terms of the average human lifespan, this would translate into an extra ten years.
Even if you aren’t buying the lengthened lifespan argument, there are also solid facts to prove that a dose of protein powder per day increases muscle strength, balance, coordination, and endurance – all at no cost; there are no side-effects to taking protein supplements. Therefore, any middle-aged and older person who sprinkles a bit of the powder into his or her oatmeal, or drinks a protein shake, on a daily basis could reap the benefits of being able to lead a more active lifestyle and generally seeing the negative signs of aging more slowly.
Anyone who is beginning to see and feel the signs of aging – whether it be visible muscle loss, achy bones, or anything in-between, can truly benefit from doing some research to find the best protein powder for them. The fact that it increases an older person’s ability to “get up and go” is reason enough, but if you start today, you could just be adding more years onto the end of your life as well.
