Research summary · Nutrition and supplements
Protein supplements: separating protein from extra energy
A review of 75 randomized studies involving 1,206 athletes examined protein supplements, performance and recovery. A Bayesian multilevel analysis explored differences in supplement composition, timing and whether comparison groups received equal energy.
- Publication year
- 2026
- First published online
- Publication type
- Systematic review and Bayesian multilevel meta-analysis
- Journal
- Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
- Population / context
- Athletic performance and post-exercise recovery
What the publication reports
Selected pooled comparisons favoured protein-containing supplements for endurance, strength or glycogen restoration. Crucially, every statistically significant result came from studies in which energy intake was not matched between groups, preventing attribution to protein alone.
Limits and interpretation
Diverse protocols and unequal energy provision weaken protein-specific conclusions. These findings do not show that adequate dietary protein is unimportant or establish a universal supplement dose. First published online in December 2025, the article is assigned to the 2026 journal volume.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
The effectiveness of protein supplements on athletic performance and post-exercise recovery - a Bayesian multilevel meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 41433039DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2025.2605338Full text at the sourceReader discussion
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