As the world’s population ages, the health implications of ageing become increasingly significant.
In Europe, the number of people aged 60 and older is projected to reach 247 million by 2030 and surpass 300 million by 2050.1 Italy and Portugal have some of the highest proportion of older adults, with approximately 24% of their populations aged 65 and over.2
One health factor associated with ageing is the loss of muscle strength. As people age, their bones can become more brittle and prone to fractures. This increased fragility, alongside the weakening of muscles, raises the risk of falls and broken bones.
The deterioration of joints can also cause inflammation, pain and stiffness that impact mobility and overall quality of life. Muscle loss also leads to reduced strength and endurance, making everyday activities more challenging and can contribute to a higher risk of falls and injuries.
Older adults can also experience slower and more limited movements, unsteadiness and lower energy levels. These changes not only affect physical health but can also negatively impact mental wellbeing, leading to reduced quality of life.
The importance of muscle health
Muscle health is crucial for maintaining wellbeing, particularly as individuals age. Sarcopenia, characterised by an age-related loss of muscle, is one of the most important health conditions in elderly people with a high rate of adverse outcomes. It is a common condition that can significantly impact quality of life, with an average prevalence of approximately 10% across individuals aged 60 and over (8-12% in men and 8-13% in women).
However, ageing is not the only cause of sarcopenia. Lack of physical activity and poor diet, especially lack of protein intake, can also contribute to muscle loss. Regular physical activity is key to maintaining muscle health.
However the benefits of physical activity are enhanced when combined with a nutritious diet. Protein intake, in particular, is essential for muscle maintenance and growth. Insufficient protein intake can lead to loss of skeletal muscle mass due to a chronic imbalance between protein synthesis and degradation.3 In turn, older individuals may experience a decline in muscle mass and strength, ultimately resulting in reduced physical capabilities.
Whey protein supplementation: clinically studied
Whey protein has high nutritional value and can be an effective supplement for older adults looking to preserve muscle mass and improve strength. A 2024 study into the efficacy of protein supplements observed that whey protein paired with resistance training may demonstrate the greatest efficacy for muscle growth and strength gains in older adults.4
As a complete protein, whey protein contains all the essential amino acids required in the body. Leucine, one of the key amino acids in whey protein, is known for its anabolic properties. This means it can help to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, which is crucial for muscle repair and growth.5
In 2019, a randomised double-blind controlled study was performed on 116 physically active older individuals aged between 67-73 years.6 Participants were randomly allocated to either 31 g of milk protein or iso‐caloric placebo supplementation for 12 weeks.
The study concluded, alongside walking exercise training, an improvement in physical performance, an increase in lean body mass and a decrease in fat mass was observed. The increase of lean body mass found in the protein group could be translated into saving 1-2 years of muscle mass decline and was determined to be of great significance for daily life mobility on the long term. This improvement in muscle health highlights the positive effects of whey protein supplementation in older individuals.
A low molecular weight whey protein
Neo Cremar, a raw material manufacturer headquartered in Korea, took its first step into research and development of low molecular weight whey protein when it was selected for the future food project of the Korea Institute of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. The research project period covered a total of five years, during which a low molecular weight whey protein was developed and produced through in vitro, in vivo, and human application tests.
“We wanted to differentiate from regular whey proteins in the market with a smaller-sized molecule designed to help with muscle strength and muscle health,” says Anh Pham Ha, Assistant Manager at Neo Cremar.
“We know that developed countries are facing an ageing population situation. The focus of our research was to target an ingredient that could promote muscle health within ageing populations.”
In investigating whey protein’s potential in supporting healthy ageing and creating CoreBlast5, Neo Cremar was able to identify a specific active compound that provides the ingredient's efficacy: LDIQK, a peptide made up of five amino acids that are not present in typical whey proteins and therefore sets the ingredient apart.
Its small molecular weight lends itself to faster absorption compared to other whey proteins in the market and is a key advantage of the ingredient. According to studies, around 25% of regular whey proteins on the market have a molecular weight of less than 5,000 Da; with Neo Cremar’s ingredient, about 90% of molecules are less than 5,000 Da and about 82% are even smaller.
“Because the particle size is smaller, this promotes faster absorption compared to other whey proteins, promoting efficacy of digestion and allowing the body to better optimize the protein it contains.”
Demonstrating muscle strength improvement
Studies suggest that smaller-sized particles may accelerate the protein digestion rate in elderly populations, the target audience for the ingredient.
“The faster absorption suggests an improved efficacy of protein digestion, giving it better, faster results,” says Pham Ha.
Neo Cremar carried out studies in mice with different doses to determine the efficacy of the ingredient. Tests were conducted on grip strength of the animal and muscle mass in different areas throughout the test, as well as fibre stranding to test the muscle cell fibre and gene expression.
The results showed an increase in grip strength, increased muscle mass and increase in muscle fibre count in the animal. The low molecular weight whey protein (CoreBlast5) was found to demonstrate muscle strength improvement efficacy through a mechanism that reduces the expression of muscle protein breakdown factors and increases the expression of muscle protein synthesis factors.
Studies with mice with intake of low molecular weight whey protein found the breakdown of muscle protein decreased. This resulted in a reduced loss of muscle and an increase in muscle protein synthesis. There was also an increase in the running distance and running time of the animal, indicative of improved endurance and a higher rate of muscle synthesis in the body.
When the same test was carried out with the active compound LDIQK in isolation, the results were very similar, pinpointing the efficacy of the active compound. The muscle-strength-improving functionality of low molecular weight whey protein was also proven through human clinical study.
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of 83 Korean men and women aged 50 or older, the control group took 6 g per day of low molecular weight whey protein hydrolysate. At the end of the 12-week period, the muscle power of the extensors of the knee increased, indicating improved muscle strength in an older population.
A safe, functional health ingredient
Toxicity studies have confirmed CoreBlast5 to be a very safe ingredient. It is already accepted as a functional health ingredient in South Korea, where it has received Korean certification allowing manufacturers to claim a promotion of muscle strength in end products.
The product has a shelf life of three years and is stable in pH (3-9) and under heat. With a recommended daily dosage of 6 g, applications proposed for the finished products include powder for beverage formulations, gel, liquid or jellies.
“This is a dietary protein that offers additional health benefits beyond regular whey protein,” adds Neo Cremar’s Pham Ha. “We are currently exploring potential markets beyond ageing populations, for example in the field of sports nutrition.”
As global populations age, supporting muscle health will be key to help preserve mobility and quality of life. Supplement manufacturers who can unlock opportunities and drive innovation in this growing market are set to reap the rewards.
References
1. World health organization. Ageing.
2. Eurostat. Population structure and ageing.
3. Deutz, N. E.; Bauer, J. M.; Barazzoni, R.; et al. (2014). Protein intake and exercise for optimal muscle function with aging: recommendations from the ESPEN Expert Group. Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland), 33(6), 929–936.
4. Liao, C-D.; Huang, S-W.; Chen, H-C.; et al. (2024). Comparative Efficacy of Different Protein Supplements on Muscle Mass, Strength, and Physical Indices of Sarcopenia among Community-Dwelling, Hospitalized or Institutionalized Older Adults Undergoing Resistance Training: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 16(7):941.
5. Kimball, S. R.; & Jefferson, L. S. (2006). Signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms through which branched-chain amino acids mediate translational control of protein synthesis. The Journal of nutrition, 136(1 Suppl), 227S–31S.
6. Ten Haaf, D. S. M.; Eijsvogels, T. M. H.; Bongers, C. C. W. G.; et al. (2019). Protein supplementation improves lean body mass in physically active older adults: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 10(2), 298–310.