Some over-65s need protein drinks to build up muscle mass lost through ageing, study finds

Here, Linia Patel, a specialist sports dietitian from London, reviews a selection.

PhD Protein Superfood mango and banana

8 sachets of 130g, £20.72, Holland & Barrett

Per serving: protein, 20g; sugar, 5.2 g; salt, 0.39 g

Judgment of the expert: This has 20 g per serving – for comparison, a boiled egg contains about 6 g. But while some shakes contain much more, up to 50g per serving, this is a good amount. The protein here is pea protein, which contains all nine essential amino acids — the building blocks of tissue that the body cannot make itself.

However, a protein isn’t considered complete if it doesn’t contain enough amino acids — and pea protein is low in methionine, which can help prevent fat buildup in your liver; and cysteine, which is important for making collagen, which keeps skin supple.

It has a good protein balance and is relatively low in additives, sugar and salt.

Best for: Vegetarians who exercise regularly and don’t get enough protein.

Provytl 50+

4 sachets of 18g, £16.96 (for sample pack of four sachets plus shaker bottle), provytl.com

Per serving: protein, 15g; sugar, 0.3 g; salt, 0.1 g

Judgment of the expert: This is a protein powder that is sugar free and formulated for older people who can add it to drinks and meals. It is a complete source of protein and contains all the amino acids you need to build muscle.

It contains creatine monohydrate, a compound that helps produce adenosine triphosphate, the most basic form of energy in your body’s cells.

Our creatine levels are believed to decrease as we age.

It’s unflavored and unsweetened, so you can mix it into drinks and soups or fold it into porridge.

Best for: Those with a poor appetite and older people who struggle to get enough protein to keep their muscles healthy.

Progo 53g Protein Drink banana

500ml, £2.66, Holland & Barrett

Per serving: protein, 55g; sugar, 35 g; salt, 0.56 g

Judgment of the expert: The protein here is derived from skim milk – per serving it has 55g of protein, which is very high.

Sugar is the second ingredient on the list, so it’s not surprising that there’s 35g in a serving – that’s more than seven teaspoons.

You can make your own low-sugar alternative using low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and bananas.

Best for: Those who exercise regularly and are at a healthy weight for their height.

Huel Complete Protein banana milkshake

26 29g servings, £22.50, uk.huel.com

Per serving: protein, 20 g; sugar, 0.2 g; salt, 0.37 g

Judgment of the expert: This product is made from protein sourced from vegan sources — peas, hemp, and faba — and comes in a variety of flavors, including salted caramel and banana milkshake.

You add one scoop (29g) to 300ml of water and shake together for ten seconds. In addition to proteins, this product contains many vitamins and all essential amino acids.

However, it is also loaded with additives and emulsifiers.

With only 105 calories per serving, it is certainly not a meal replacement option, but a protein supplement.

Best for: Vegans who exercise regularly and those who watch their weight.

For Goodness Shakes (Chocolate)

475ml, £1.50, Sainsbury’s

Per serving: protein, 25 g; sugar, 23.3 g; salt, 0.6 g

Judgment of the expert: This UHT milk based shake provides 25g of protein and 23.9g of sugar per 475ml bottle. It also contains sucralose, a sweetener.

New research shows that stevia (another artificial sweetener) and sucralose seem to appear in large amounts in the colon and are therefore more likely to disrupt our microbiome, the community of microbes in our gut that are critical to as many areas of our health as they become. usually consumed.

Best for: Those who exercise regularly and those who want to ensure good bone health, as the product contains extra vitamin D and calcium.

Nnote: If you are pregnant, nursing or being treated for a medical condition, consult your primary care physician before starting any new supplements.