Good news for the elderly based on a study at the University of Texas. Muscle loss is not necessarily a mandatory requirement of the aging process when adequate protein is supplied in the diet.

The test showed that muscle protein synthesis occurred in healthy elderly individuals (65-79 yrs) following ingestion of a whey protein supplement or an essential amino acid supplement, received the same muscle protein synthesis stimulation that occurs in the non-elderly. Stimulated muscle protein synthesis studies may provide a more efficient nutritional supplementation program for elderly individuals and prevent the muscle loss that causes weakness.

Many elderly people have diets that are low in protein and therefore experience weakness due to muscle loss. High protein foods sometimes require more preparation than carbohydrates and can be difficult to chew. And many are unaware that their diet is low in the muscle craving proteins. A morning drink made with whey protein is enough to do the job of preventing muscle loss and the disabilities that are generally considered an inevitable part of aging.