Effects of Protein Intake Beyond Habitual Intakes Associated With Resistance Training on Metabolic Syndrome-Related Parameters, Isokinetic Strength and Body Composition in Older Women.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of protein intake beyond habitual intakes associated with resistance training (RT) on metabolic syndrome (MetS)-related parameters, isokinetic strength and body composition in health older women. Thirty older women (68.8 ± 4.3 years) participated in this investigation and were assigned to receive 35 grams of whey protein or placebo combined with RT, over 12-weeks, 3 times per week. Blood samples, blood pressure, dietary intake, strength, and body composition were assessed before and after the intervention period. Two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures was applied for comparisons. Both groups improved the skeletal muscle mass (SMM), muscular strength, waist circumference (WC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, glucose, resistance, reactance and MetS z-score risk. However, the improvements in SMM, WC and MetS z-score risk were significantly greater in protein group (PRO) when compared with control group (CON). Moreover, protein group (PRO) significantly decreased %body fat when compared with control group (CON). Higher protein intake combined with RT promoted greater improvements in SMM, %body fat, WC and MetS z-score risk in older women.