Whey Protein Powder for Seniors

by Vorst Canada January 24, 2022

whey protein powder for seniors

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

While the benefits of whey protein powder for seniors in building muscles are quite well known, very few people know that supplementing with whey protein can significantly help slow down the aging process and delay functional decline in older people.

In this article, we’ll discuss exactly what whey protein is and the effects of whey protein powder for seniors along with precautions and side effects. So let’s get started.

What is whey protein?
Why do seniors need more protein?
Benefits of whey protein powder for seniors
How to use whey protein powder
Precautions and side effects
Final words

What is whey protein?

Whey is one of the primary sources of protein found in milk products. It’s the liquid byproduct of the cheese-making process which is left over after the milk has been strained. It contains ample amounts of essential amino acids that play a vital role in carrying out diverse internal bodily functions that proteins execute in the body.

Why do seniors need more protein?

Protein plays an important role in several bodily functions especially building and maintaining muscles. As the human body gets older, it becomes less efficient in absorbing protein molecules. As a result, seniors experience several age-related problems such as age-related muscle loss which is medically called sarcopenia, and bone density issues.

But most of these age-related issues can be prevented and even reversed by supplementing adequate amounts of proteins.

Here’re a few common reasons why seniors need more protein:

Muscle mass

Sarcopenia, which is a natural age-related muscle loss, decreases muscle strength and causes weakness in people ages over 30. Supplementing with good proteins such as whey protein and amino acids can help improve muscle mass as well as strength in seniors.

Slower digestion

Since slowing down the digestion process is a natural part of aging, the absorption ability of protein molecules from food ingredients also becomes less effective and leads to many health issues due to lack of nutrition. Taking the right protein supplement may help improve digestion and protein absorption in the body.

Bone health

Because of less protein absorption, seniors often face bone density issues and their bones become more likely to break than others. A good protein supplement can increase the density and strength of bones in seniors.

Increased mobility

Some amino acids work wonders to reduce joint stiffness and strengthen associated articulations including ligaments and tendons in the body, making them highly beneficial for increasing mobility in elderly people.

Injury recovery

Proteins play an essential role in the process of muscle recovery when it comes to injured or strained muscles. A quality protein supplement helps regenerate muscle tissues faster that can ensure the recovery of strained muscles in a more speedy way.

Enhanced energy levels

Protein is a vital part of nutrition and energy in the body. Lack of protein may lead to serious malnutrition which is often characterized by an underweight body and lower levels of energy in seniors. Supplementing a quality protein powder can supply adequate amounts of nutrition that will help keep them energized throughout the day.

Benefits of whey protein powder for seniors

Seniors often experience anabolic resistance, a condition that significantly lowers the body’s capacity to break down protein substances consumed through dietary means. Therefore, most older people have a decreased muscle response to ingested proteins or sometimes they don’t have any muscle response at all.

To activate the muscle response in seniors, an extra push of an easy-to-digest protein supplement works wonders and a good whey protein powder supplement can do the same thing for seniors.

Whey protein can benefit seniors in many ways. If consumed appropriately in a regular and healthy manner, here’re some of the most common benefits of whey protein for seniors.

Helps prevent age-related muscle loss - Since protein plays a key role in building and maintaining muscle mass, supplementing with whey protein powder along with mild physical activities can help prevent and even reverse the loss of muscle mass found with aging.

Helps faster recovery from injuries - Whey protein can help rebuild muscle tissues in the strained or injured areas in a quicker way that may result in a faster recovery from injuries.

May help increase mobility - The large amounts of amino acids found in whey protein powder also help strengthen tendons and ligaments, resulting in increased strength and mobility in elderly people.

Increases energy levels - Whey protein powder supplies much-needed nutrition for seniors, thus, helping keep them high throughout the day on their energy levels.

Helps reduce blood sugars - It has been found that whey protein can increase insulin sensitivity in seniors, making it beneficial for reducing blood sugar levels for elders with diabetes.

How to use whey protein powder

Whey protein is ideal for taking with water or a preferred beverage. In general, the doses of whey protein powder may range from 25 grams to 40 grams per day. But ask your nutritionist to determine the best dose for your specific condition.

Precautions and side effects

Whey protein supplement is generally safe for most people. People who have allergies to milk products should avoid taking whey protein. Besides, if you have any liver issues, kidney issues, or seizures issues, or you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare specialist before taking a whey protein supplement.

When you consider taking whey protein along with other existing medications, make sure you maintain a gap of a few hours between whey protein and other medications.

Like with all dietary supplements, always check with your healthcare practitioner prior to using whey protein powder.

Final words

Whey protein powder is highly beneficial for elderly people. The most common benefit of whey protein powder for seniors includes preventing and reversing age-related muscle loss called sarcopenia. It also helps in reducing blood sugar levels, increasing energy levels, and enhancing mobility in seniors.

It’s recommended to consult with a nutritionist before using whey protein powder especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications for any underlying health issues.

Check out Vorst’s Whey Protein Concentrate Powder Vanilla Flavored here.

Also check out Vorst’s Whey Protein Concentrate Powder Chocolate Flavored here.

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