Protein, strength and functional reserve: avoid the shortcut
Protein is an essential nutrient, and strength is a functional capacity. The two are related in everyday conversation, but neither a food nor a supplement can guarantee strength, recovery or future independence.
Read the source for its question
EFSA's dietary reference values address nutrient requirements at population level. Meta-analysis by Morton and colleagues examines protein supplementation alongside resistance training. Tieland and colleagues studied protein supplementation and resistance-type exercise in older adults. These sources concern defined populations and interventions.
Keep functional reserve honest
Functional reserve is useful language for discussing capacity, not a measured promise about an individual. Medical conditions, goals and diet restrictions need appropriate professional input. See our methodology for our evidence rules.
Sources
- EFSA dietary reference values for protein
- Morton et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine
- Tieland et al., JAMDA
Related reading
Sources
Limitations: These sources do not prescribe individual intake or guarantee a strength or functional outcome.
Source review date:
- EFSA dietary reference values for protein (https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2557)https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2557
- Morton et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28698222/)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28698222/
- Tieland et al., JAMDA (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24303764/)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24303764/
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