Nutritional Supplementation Combined with Exercise for Musculoskeletal Health in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Evaluating Proteins, Amino Acids, and Creatine across Reproductive Stages
Abstract
Background: Women experience progressive musculoskeletal deterioration across reproductive stages, with accelerated changes during the menopausal transition. Exercise provides established benefits, but the additive effects of nutritional supplementation strategies, including proteins, amino acids, and related compounds such as creatine, remain uncertain. Previous systematic reviews focused on older adults aged 65 years and above, leaving a knowledge gap regarding women facing unique metabolic challenges related to reproductive hormones. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate whether nutritional supplementation combined with exercise enhances muscle mass, strength, and bone health outcomes in women across reproductive stages, with particular attention to the menopausal transition.
Methods: Eight databases were searched from inception to July 2025: CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, PsycINFO, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We included randomized controlled trials examining nutritional supplementation combined with exercise in women across reproductive stages. Interventions comprised whole proteins, amino acids, amino acid derivatives, or protein-derived peptides administered with structured exercise programs. Comparators included exercise alone or a placebo plus exercise. Primary outcomes were muscle mass measures. Secondary outcomes included muscle strength, bone health…
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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: 763 participants or records.
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