Overview
- The study published in Nutrients and summarized in university press releases on May 29, 2026, found that lower habitual protein intake predicted higher odds of reduced handgrip strength and new mobility problems in older adults.
- Researchers analyzed longitudinal data from more than 38,000 people aged 50 and over across 27 European countries drawn from the SHARE cohort to link long-term eating patterns with later changes in strength and daily function.
- Lower intake of protein-rich foods was associated with both objective muscle weakness, measured by handgrip, and self-reported difficulty with tasks such as walking 100 meters, climbing stairs, reaching overhead, and shopping.
- The effects varied by sex with stronger associations for handgrip loss in men and more reported functional limitations in women, and the study emphasized everyday foods like milk, yogurt, eggs, legumes, fish, and poultry rather than supplements.
- Because the analysis is observational the results show association not proof of cause, so authors call for simple screening, low-cost dietary support for older adults with low protein intake, and trials to test whether increasing habitual protein prevents decline.