Low-molecular-weight whey protein hydrolysate and ginseng berry extract enhance muscle strength and physical performance in Korean older adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Background/objectives: Sarcopenia can be prevented or mitigated through appropriate nutrition supplementation combined with exercise. We assessed the effects of 12-week supplementation with a mixture of low-molecular-weight whey protein hydrolysate (LMWPH) and ginseng berry extract (GBE), combined with resistance exercises, on muscle strength and physical performance in healthy Korean adults aged 60 yrs or older.

Subjects/methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 100 participants aged 60 yrs or older, who were assigned to either the LMWPH-GBE group (5,000 mg/d, including LMWPH-GBE 4,500 mg) or placebo group. Participants performed lower-extremity strengthening exercises for 30-60 min at least 3 days per week. Handgrip strength, knee extensor muscle strength, muscle power and physical performance using short physical performance battery (SPPB), body composition, including appendicular skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass index, body mass index, fat mass and percentage, were assessed using dual energy absorptiometry.

Results: The LMWPH-GBE group showed significant improvements in right-handgrip strength (0.53 ± 2.82 kg, P = 0.027) and total SPPB scores (0.18 ± 0.45 points, P = 0.049) compared with the placebo (-0.83 ± 2.86 kg and -0.05±0.61 points, respectively). Additionally, the LMWPH-GBE group demonstrated improvements in the SPPB subscale compared with the placebo, with the 4-m gait speed changed by 0.26 ± 0.37 m/s (placebo: -0.02 ± 0.31 m/s, P < 0.001) and repeated chair stand time changed by -2.30 ± 1.78 s (placebo: -0.06 ± 1.60 s, P < 0.001). Knee extensor strength, muscle power, and muscle mass did not significantly differ between groups, likely because both groups performed lower-extremity strengthening exercises over 12 weeks.

Conclusion: Twelve weeks of LMWPH-GBE supplementation improved physical performance and muscle strength, particularly right-handgrip strength, in older adults. Low-dose protein (LMWPH) and botanical extract (GBE) supplementation shows potential as a practical dietary intervention for older individuals who may not tolerate higher protein doses.