Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics · Oct 27, 2025

Effects of branched-chain amino acid-rich nutritional supplements combined with resistance training on body composition and body function in older patients with sarcopenia

By Li H, Zhang R, Ma Y et al.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia impairs self-care ability in older adults. While branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)/leucine enhance muscle protein synthesis and resistance training promotes muscle growth, the combined effect on sarcopenia remains unclear. This meta-analysis evaluates whether combining resistance training with BCAA-rich supplements synergistically improves body composition and function in sarcopenic elders. METHODS: We systematically searched four databases and analyzed outcomes using Stata 18.0. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated via random-effects models. RESULTS: Twelve randomized trials (n = 459) were included. Only skeletal muscle index significantly improved with combined intervention vs. control (SMD = 0.337, 95 % CI [0.035,0.639], p = 0.029). No significant differences were found in: hand grip strength (SMD = 0.289, p = 0.080), 30-s chair stand (SMD = -0.794, p = 0.169), SPPB (SMD = -0.321, p = 0.124), walking speed (SMD = 0.344, p = 0.283), knee extension strength (SMD = 0.332,p = 0.328), total lean mass (SMD = 0.024, p = 0.908), or fat mass (SMD = -0.036, p = 0.866; all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: BCAA supplementation post-resistance training only increased skeletal muscle index in older adults, without improving other functional or body composition outcomes.

doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2025.106063PubMed 41202431Interventions