Synergy of Protein Intake and Strength Exercise in Overcoming Anabolic Resistance in Sarcopenia Management
A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2026.90.70373Keywords
Sarcopenia, Anabolic resistance, Resistance training, Protein supplementation, Mechanotransduction, mTORC1Abstract
Background. Sarcopenia is characterized by accelerated muscle loss, driven by chronic inflammation and anabolic resistance, which blunts mTORC1 pathway activation in aging skeletal muscle.
Aim. This narrative review analyzes the efficacy and synergistic effects of targeted protein supplementation and resistance exercise in countering sarcopenia.
Material and methods. A literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted to identify recent clinical guidelines and studies on protein supplementation, leucine thresholds, and mechanotransduction in older adults.
Results. Overcoming anabolic resistance requires a high intracellular leucine threshold of 2.5–3.0 g per meal. Whey protein effectively provides this rapid spike. Furthermore, progressive resistance training independently upregulates mTORC1 via mechanotransduction. Combining these interventions with specific adjuvants like creatine robustly sustains an anabolic environment.
Conclusions. Effective sarcopenia management requires shifting from passive treatments to active interventions combining mechanical loading with targeted nutritional triggers.
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