Better for YouProteinsBioactives, Specialty/Other

Protein’s Power in Healthy Aging: Beyond Muscle to Mind, Skin and Vitality

From collagen to plant blends, emerging bioactives to precision fermentation, science-driven protein innovation is helping older adults stay stronger, sharper, and more resilient

Protein for Better Aging — PHOTO CREDIT: Nimito/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Aging well isn’t just about living longer but living better. Protein plays a central role in this effort with its anti-aging, health-support, and beauty-extending properties. Beyond its reputation as a muscle builder, protein also maintains skin elasticity, joints and immune defences. Protein also is vital for lung function and cognitive health. Moreover, dietary protein is needed to create the basic components of the enzymes that catalyse every cellular function in the body. Targeted use of protein and its fractions offers a strategic way to support vitality and longevity through diet.

Maintaining adequate protein intake is essential to address sarcopeniaꟷthe progressive loss of muscle mass and function that threatens healthy aging. Age-related declines in tissue repair, alongside changes in immune function, all increase protein requirements. Adequate intake of high-quality protein can help older adults preserve muscle, support mobility, strengthen immune defences, and improve recovery from both activity and illness.

Older adults, those aged 45 and older, are recommended to consume between 1.0 to 1.5g protein per kilogram of body weight each day just to maintain muscle mass and function. For a 70kg (154lb.) person, this equates to 70–105g/day. Consuming around 25–30g of high-quality protein per meal optimally stimulates muscle protein synthesis. Protein-fortified foods can help older adults confidently meet their protein requirements, helping with tissue repair, immune resilience, and overall well-being—core priorities for older consumers who want to stay active and independent.

Catalina Crunch snacks — Adults 45 and older are seeking protein-rich foods that fit their lifestyles while appealing to their demands for interesting flavors and textures. *IMAGE COURTESY OF: Catalina Snacks Inc.*

Explore More Proteins

Protein Alphabet

Amino acids, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs; leucine, isoleucine, and valine), and collagen peptides could be called the “ABCs of protein” when it comes to nutritional support. Targeted amino acids—including the aforementioned BCAAs—play an important role in energy production, blood sugar stability, mood balance, and muscle recovery. Leucine, especially, is crucial for stimulating muscle protein synthesis and has demonstrated benefits in older populations. Fermented amino-acid blends offer highly absorbable mixes providing cognitive and muscle benefits.

Collagen is widely recognized for its role in supporting skin elasticity, joint mobility, and nail and hair strength. As we age, natural collagen production declines, leading to visible signs of aging and joint stiffness. Collagen peptides supply the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, and all are key ingredients for building and stabilizing collagen in skin and connective tissues. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides, especially those derived from marine or bovine sources, are highly bioavailable.

Research highlights that supplementing with 2-15g of hydrolyzed collagen peptides per day is associated with improvements in joint health, skin elasticity, and bone mineral density. They are most often delivered in ready-to-drink (RTD) beauty beverages, powdered sachets, and convenient collagen “shots” designed to support skin and joint vitality from within.

Blends of different protein sources, such as pea, canola, and sunflower, plus other important nutrients create a more holistic—and successful—formulation. *IMAGE COURTESY OF: Burcon NutraScience Corp.*

Protein-Dazed, and Still Confused — by International Food Information Council

America’s protein obsession is real—and rising. Yet, according to new data from the International Food Information Council (IFIC), most consumers still do not know how much protein they actually need. The 2025 IFIC Food & Health Survey shows that a whopping 71% of Americans are trying to consume protein—a steady climb from 67% in 2023 and 59% in 2022. And a “high protein diet” ranks as the most followed eating pattern for the third straight year. According to the 2025 IFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans’ Perceptions of Protein, more than one-third of Americans (35%) say they have increased their protein intake in the last year. But when it comes to how much protein they should actually consume daily, 79% of Americans report they are either unaware (53%) or unsure (26%).

“While our research shows repeated enthusiasm for this important macronutrient, there is a gap between what people say they are doing and what they know when it comes to their protein goals,” explained IFIC Senior Director, Food & Nutrition, Monica Amburn, MS, RDN. “While many prioritize protein, we found that some people may be inaccurately estimating their protein needs. If someone is turning to protein to support energy, satiety, or strength—and many are—they need accurate, personalized information to make those choices work for them.”

The survey found that 56% of Americans prioritize protein at dinner, while 44% do so at breakfast and 42% at lunch. While protein-packed snacking has seen growth in popularity, only 17% prioritize protein when it comes to their snacks. In general, 8 in 10 Americans prioritize protein during at least one eating occasion every day.

When asked which factors they consider when choosing protein sources, taste (66%), price (59%), and healthfulness (49%) rank highest, followed by convenience (38%), animal-based (23%), plant-based (18%) and environmental sustainability (18%). Their preferred sources? All animal-based: meat and poultry (65%), eggs (62%), and fish/seafood (48%). Consumers also lean on package information to make protein choices. Four in ten (39%) say they use the “grams of protein per serving” as their top reference point. Still, only 27% of those who report using protein information on food packaging say they have a target number of grams in mind.

Clean Simple Clear Protein — Whey protein, a source of branch-chain amino acids, and collagen make an ideal combination for addressing both the inner and outer signs of aging. *IMAGE COURTESY OF: Clean Simple Eats, LLC*

Bioactive peptides and dietary nucleotides are emerging ingredients of interest for products targeting aging well. This is based on their role in gut health, cognitive function, and cellular repair. Milk-derived bioactive peptides such as lacto-tripeptides demonstrate benefits for cardiovascular health by acting as natural ACE inhibitors, promoting healthy blood pressure.

Egg yolk-derived peptides, and yeast-extracted nucleotides have been associated with immune resilience and neuroprotective benefits, though more clinical data is still developing. These advanced actives are well-suited to functional powders, synbiotic elixirs, and sophisticated anti-aging beverages aimed at performance and brain health.

Yes, Whey

Whey protein remains a gold standard for muscle support, especially as persons age and face the increased risk the gradual loss of muscle mass and function in aging known as sarcopenia. Rich in leucine and other BCAAs, whey also supports satiety and metabolic health. Whey protein works especially well in RTD shakes, high-protein yogurts, and fortified snack bars designed to meet daily protein needs while being easy to consume. Whey also is popularly used in sports beverages, bars, and snacks for the same capacity to contribute in the rebuilding of muscle tissue.

Pasta noodles boosted with extra plant protein has become a major trend due to its ready appeal as a comfort food favorite. *IMAGE COURTESY OF: Crespel & Deiters North America, Inc.*

Plant-based Proteins

Plant proteins—such as from pea, rice, chia, chickpea, hemp, soy, and others—are increasingly popular among aging consumers seeking allergen-friendly, sustainable sources of protein. While individual plant proteins often lack sufficient amounts in one or more essential amino acids, by blending sources like pea, rice, hemp, and fermented soy product makers can deliver a complete profile to support muscle maintenance and heart health. Sprouted forms can offer enhanced digestibility. These proteins integrate seamlessly into soups, vegan smoothies, and plant-based snack bars tailored to the growing market of flexitarian and vegetarian consumers.

Some older adults prefer easy-to-swallow, convenient options that fit into their daily routines. RTD beverages remain one of the most effective delivery vehicles for proteins such as collagen, whey, or essential amino acids. Functional coffees and teas also are increasingly being used to deliver collagen and nöotropic peptides in conjunction with familiar, daily rituals.

Quality and Safety

With all concentrated protein ingredients, manufacturers should verify the absence of heavy metals and pesticide residues through rigorous testing and quality assurance processes to ensure safety and compliance with food regulations. Although more long-term research is warranted, collagen and other protein supplements are generally considered safe and supportive in managing chronic diseases and conditions associated with aging, with no evidence that they promote hormone-positive cancers.

Protein packed burger — Advances in protein technology have taken the versatile ingredient to the next level of both formulation functionality and beneficial bioavailability. *IMAGE COURTESY OF: Meala FoodTech, Ltd./Yuval Gruda*

High-protein snacks, such as yogurts, bars, and emerging lines of protein-enhanced savory snacks such as popcorn are other products that can help consumers meet protein intake goals between meals. Concentrated shots and elixirs offer targeted benefits in small, easy-to-consume formats, while protein-enriched soups are ideal for combining comfort, satiety, and functional plant protein in one meal. All these versatile formats help support daily protein needs while delivering enjoyable, accessible nutrition for healthy aging.

Emerging Trends, Opportunities

As the healthy aging market expands, developers can move beyond traditional protein fortification by combining proteins with emerging bioactive protein fractions, such as precision-fermented peptides and nucleotides. Precision fermentation uses carefully programmed microorganisms to produce specific proteins or peptides in a controlled environment. This emerging technology builds on the strengths of traditional fermentation by enabling the targeted production of bioactive peptides with enhanced consistency and functionality.

Currently used in some dairy-free ice creams and cheeses, precision fermented dairy proteins enjoy future potential opportunities. These ingredients can be seamlessly included in snack bars, powders, and baked goods, as well as beverages and yogurts. Research suggests 2 to 5 grams of bioactive peptides per day may offer health benefits such as blood pressure regulation and immune support.

Protein is Highly Desired by Consumers — by Innova Market Insights

Protein captures the interest of consumers surveyed globally by Innova Market Insights. One in six persons [surveyed] changed to a high-protein diet in the past year. Also, more than eight out of 10 persons said they are interested in having protein in the foods and beverages they consume. In most categories, more than one-third of US adults consumer both animal-based and plant=-based foods and beverages. Animal protein foods continue to be highly popular—more than 60% of adults say they consume only animal protein foods. When consumers were asked about protein powders, one quarter of users of protein powder consume only plant-based.

Heavenly Waffles — Bakery items and breakfast foods are demonstrating both wide appeal and excellent vehicles for incorporating important anti-aging protein fractions such as collagen peptides. *IMAGE COURTESY OF: Heavenly Foods, LLC*

Consumers demand has concentrated sources of protein appearing in a variety of foods, such as premium ice cream containing 10g whey isolate protein per serving. *IMAGE COURTESY OF: Protein Pints*

Nucleotides have been successfully used for decades in infant formulas and clinical nutrition supplements, thanks to their ability to support gut health, immune function, and tissue repair. Despite this, their presence in mainstream prepared foods remains minimal, limited by higher production costs, regulatory hurdles, and low consumer familiarity.

Nucleotides such as guanosine monophosphate (GMP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) not only support gut and immune health but also enhance umami flavor—making them ideal for inclusion in savory broths and soups. As the healthy aging market grows, incorporating nucleotides into prepared foods can allow for products that can suggest restorative and digestive benefits for older adults.

Protein is a foundational anti-aging, wellness and beauty extension ingredient. Whether supporting muscle, skin, immune function, or gut health, or bones, brain, and metabolic functions its forms and fractions offer a comprehensive range of benefits. For food and beverage developers, the challenge is no longer how to add protein, but in which form to provide and for what benefit. By aligning strong evidence with practical, appetizing formulations, prepared foods and drinks can help consumers age well, supporting not just years of life, but optimal life in those years.

Protein Ingredients Market worth $85.6 billion by 2028 — by MarketsandMarkets, Inc.

The global protein ingredients market is estimated to reach USD85.6 billion by 2028, recording a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period. The rise in consumer awareness, health consciousness, demand for protein alternatives and high-end personal care products, changing lifestyles, and consumption patterns to drive the demand in the protein ingredients market.

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Liz Isenring, PhD is an advanced accredited practicing dietitian, nutritionist, and honorary adjunct professor at Bond University, Queensland, Australia. Dr Liz also is the director of LINC Nutrition, which supports busy professionals to be healthy via evidence-based nutrition. Isenring offers as free downloads resources such as The Gut Map and The Path to a Stronger Immune System at www.lincnutrition.lpages.co/freedownloads. She may be reached at DrLiz@lincnutrition.com.au or www.drliznutrition.com.