Pol Grootswagers: Protein-enriched products are unnecessary for many

In two interviews - in Financieele Dagblad and AVROTROS Radar - Dr. Pol Grootswagers explained why protein‑fortified foods are largely unnecessary for most healthy adults. A balanced diet already supplies sufficient protein to maintain muscle mass and overall health, making specialty protein bars and shakes redundant for the average person.

However, there are two clear exceptions. First, individuals engaging in high‑intensity training or competitive sport can benefit from targeted protein supplementation to support muscle repair and performance. Second, people at risk of undernutrition—such as older adults recovering from illness or injury—may struggle to meet their protein requirements through conventional foods alone. In these cases, protein‑enriched products can play a valuable role in preventing muscle loss and promoting recovery.

At Wageningen University’s Nutritional Biology chair group, we investigate how protein quantity, quality, and timing affect health across the lifespan. Our goal is to understand how nutrition – particularly protein - can support healthy ageing. We focus on the impact of transitioning to more plant-based diets on muscle and bone health in later life, and on how additional protein can aid muscle accretion in the very old and after hip fractures.