Effect of Plant Versus Animal Protein on Muscle Mass, Strength, Physical Performance, and Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Context: Dietary protein is recommended for sarcopenia-a debilitating condition of age-related loss of muscle mass and strength that affects 27% of older adults. The effects of protein on muscle health may depend on protein quality.
Objective: The aim was to synthesize randomized controlled trial (RCT) data comparing plant with animal protein for muscle health.
Data sources: Forty-three eligible RCTs were sourced from Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases.
Data extraction: Four reviewers (R.J.R.-M., S.F.B., N.A.W., D.L.) extracted data from RCTs (study setting, population, intervention characteristics, outcomes, summary statistics) and conducted quality assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0.
Data analysis: Standardized mean differences (SMDs) (95% CIs) were combined using a random-effects meta-analysis and forest plots were generated. I2 statistics were calculated to test for statistical heterogeneity.
Conclusion: Thirty RCTs (70%) were eligible for meta-analysis and all examined muscle mass outcomes. Compared with animal protein, plant protein resulted in lower muscle mass following the intervention (SMD = -0.20; 95% CI: -0.37, -0.03; P = .02), with stronger effects in younger (<60 years; SMD = -0.20; 95% CI: -0.37, -0.03; P = .02) than in older (≥60 years; SMD = -0.05; 95% CI: -0.32, 0.23; P = .74) adults. There was no pooled effect difference between soy and milk protein for muscle mass (SMD = -0.02; 95% CI: -0.20, 0.16; P = .80) (n = 17…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 17 participants or records.
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