High Protein Dairy Products and Resistance Exercise in the Elderly

Overview

Protein supplementation is one of the main recommendations for regular endurance physical exercise (RT). In older people, the need for protein increases particularly in the face of physiological and pathophysiological changes associated with the loss of muscle tissue and function, so protein intake becomes more relevant in this population. Fermented dairy products such as yogurt, and especially those with an extra protein content, have increased their popularity and consumption in the national market. Their nutritional composition is of particular interest, given their amino acid profile and in particular their high Leucine content, which could be compared with the classic protein supplements recommended for muscle gain and recovery. Objective: To analyze the effect on body composition, lipid profile, physical condition and muscle functionality induced by the intake of high protein yogurts versus Whey protein together with a muscular resistance program in elderly people. Hypothesis: The intake of high protein yogurts will lead to equal or greater gains in muscle mass, physical condition and functionality than those obtained with the intake of Whey protein together with resistance training in elderly people.Methodology: 16 healthy, lactose intolerant free, older (60-75 years old) subjects will be recruited to perform 8 weeks of muscular resistance training (RT) 3 times per week, who will be randomly supplemented with high protein yogurt (PY) or Whey protein (WP). At baseline and at the end of the intervention, body composition will be assessed by DEXA, muscle strength, maximal oxygen consumption and lipid profile. Expected Results: The YPRT group is expected to achieve similar or greater increases in muscle strength, fat-free mass, lipid profile and decrease in fat mass than the WP group.