Study 1: Muscle 5 + Home-Based Resistance Exercise in Older Adults

Researchers at McMaster University conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examining the effects of Muscle 5 combined with home-based resistance training in older men.

The Trial

• 32 sedentary men aged 65+ participated
• Participants completed:
  • 12 weeks of home-based resistance band exercise
  • Daily Muscle 5 supplementation or placebo

• The Muscle 5 formula included:
  • Whey protein
  • Micellar casein
  • Creatine
  • Vitamin D
  • Omega-3 fatty acids

Among nutraceuticals, the best-supported “core” ingredients for synergizing with resistance training in older adults are high-quality milk proteins (whey/casein) and creatine; vitamin D3, calcium, and omega-3s are often included to address common deficiencies and cardiometabolic comorbidities.

What Researchers Found

 Compared to placebo, the Muscle 5 group experienced significant improvements in:

• Appendicular lean mass (+3%)
• Total lean mass (+2%)
• Grip strength (+8%)
• Leg press strength (+17%)

• Muscle quality (strength relative to lean mass)
• Functional performance in 4-step stair climbing

• Increased fast-twitch muscle fiber size in the quadriceps

Researchers concluded that Muscle 5 was:

“safe, well-tolerated, and effective” for improving lean mass, strength, and muscle quality in older adults.

Importantly, these benefits occurred using low-intensity, home-based training – highlighting the potential practicality and accessibility of the approach.

Study 2: Muscle 5 in Older Adults with Obesity or Metabolic Risk

Researchers also performed an additional analysis of the same trial data to better understand who benefits most – especially older men with obesity or metabolic risk factors, who often experience a weaker “anabolic response” to exercise and nutrition.

What Researchers Found

This analysis showed that higher obesity and metabolic risk were linked to smaller lean-mass gains overall.

Importantly, in a subgroup of older men with obesity/metabolic risk, Muscle 5 produced stronger improvements than the collagen-based placebo -even though both groups consumed the same total daily protein (40 g/day).

In this subgroup, Muscle 5 was associated with:

• Improved appendicular lean mass (+2% vs −0.8%)
• Improved leg press strength (+17% vs −1.4%)
• Faster 4-step stair climb time (−10.5% vs +1.1%)

Why it matters

These findings suggest Muscle 5 may be especially relevant for older adults who want to improve body composition and maintain strength/function in the presence of metabolic risk.

Study 3: Multi‑Ingredient Supplementation Delivered Lean Mass & Strength Gains – Even Before the Training Phase.

Another randomized controlled trial evaluated a similar McMaster-developed multi-ingredient formula containing whey protein, creatine, vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids in healthy older men.

 The Trial

• 49 healthy older men participated
• Subjects consumed the supplement twice daily for 20 weeks
• The study included:
  • 6 weeks of supplementation alone
  • 12 weeks combined with resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT)

Key Findings

After just 6 weeks of supplementation:

• Lean body mass increased by 1.2 kg
• Strength significantly improved compared to placebo

Following the exercise phase:

• Both groups improved, but the supplement group achieved greater upper-body strength gains overall

The researchers concluded:

“Twice daily consumption of a multi-ingredient nutritional supplement increased muscle strength and lean mass in older men.”

These findings reinforce the value of combining high-quality protein with creatine, vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3s to support healthy aging, muscle function, and recovery.