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

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

PhD Protein Superfood mango and banana

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

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

Expert’s verdict: This has 20g per serving — by way of comparison, a boiled egg contains around 6g. But while some shakes contain much more, up to 50g per serving, there is a good amount in this. 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 adequate amounts of amino acids — and pea protein is low in methionine, which may help prevent fat deposits in your liver; and cysteine, which is important for making collagen, helping keep skin supple.

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

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

Provytl 50+

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

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

Expert’s verdict: 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 protein source 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 levels of creatine are thought to reduce as we age.

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

Best for: Those with poor appetite and older people who struggle to get enough protein to maintain muscle health.

Progo 53g Protein Drink banana

500ml, £2.66, Holland & Barrett

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

Expert’s verdict: The protein here is derived from skimmed milk — per serving it has 55g protein, which is very high.

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

You could make your own lower sugar alternative using skimmed milk, Greek yoghurt, chia seeds and bananas.

Best for: Those who work out regularly and are a healthy weight for their height.

Huel Complete Protein banana milkshake

26 x 29g portions, £22.50, uk.huel.com

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

Expert’s verdict: This product is made from protein derived from vegan sources — pea, hemp and faba — and comes in different flavours including salted caramel and banana milkshake.

You add one scoop (29g) to 300ml water and shake together for ten seconds. As well as protein, this product contains lots of vitamins and all the essential amino acids.

However, it is also loaded with additives and emulsifiers.

At just 105 calories per serving, it is definitely not a meal replacement option but a protein top-up.

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

For Goodness Shakes (Chocolate)

475ml, £1.50, Sainsbury’s

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

Expert’s verdict: This UHT milk-based shake delivers 25g 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 quantities in the colon and hence are more likely to disrupt our microbiome, the community of microbes in our gut that are crucial to so many areas of our health if consumed habitually.

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

Note: If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for a medical condition, consult your GP before starting new supplements.