Dietary additions to strength training showed uneven benefits after menopause
A systematic review found clearer support for strength training than for supplements, with added calorie restriction linked to greater fat-mass reduction.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review found a clearer pattern for strength training itself than for nutritional additions. Studies adding calorie restriction reported greater fat-mass reductions, while protein studies did not show statistically significant additional gains in strength or lean mass under their reported intake conditions. Evidence for other supplements remained limited or inconsistent.
The abstract omits study durations, detailed comparison groups and pooled effect estimates. This limits judgments about the size of benefits and how well the nutritional comparisons match each other.
Protein findings need context
The protein findings included a minimum intake of 0.8 g/kg bodyweight, but the abstract does not explain how this condition applied across groups. The absence of a statistically significant added effect does not establish no benefit.
Training and supplements answered different questions
Strength training was generally associated with improvements in body composition, strength and bone density across the reviewed studies. Research on other nutritional additions was sparse or inconsistent, leaving limited support for supplement-specific conclusions.
The original publication
Analysis of the Additive Effects of Nutritional Strategies in Strength Training Interventions on Body Composition, Muscle Strength and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review.
Walter F, Schalla J, Bloch W et al.
Sports Med Open · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41535482
- Record checked
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