According to Gram Research analysis, high-protein nutritional supplements increased protein intake by significant amounts in older hip fracture patients but didn’t improve their strength in a typical recovery scenario. However, a 2026 randomized controlled trial of 109 patients found that those who consistently drank the supplements showed better physical improvement than those who didn’t, suggesting that regular use—not just having supplements available—is necessary for functional benefits.
A new study tested whether special high-protein drinks could help older adults recover better after hip fracture surgery. Researchers gave 109 patients either two cans of nutrient-rich supplements daily or regular care for 12 weeks after leaving the hospital. While both groups improved their strength, the supplement group ate significantly more protein. Interestingly, the supplements didn’t boost physical performance in most patients, though those who drank them consistently showed better results. The findings suggest that getting enough protein matters, but simply providing supplements isn’t enough—patients need to actually use them regularly.
Key Statistics
A 2026 randomized controlled trial of 109 older hip fracture patients found that those receiving two daily cans of high-protein nutritional supplements significantly increased their protein intake compared to standard care, with a p-value of 0.003 indicating strong statistical significance.
In a per-protocol analysis of patients who consistently used the supplements, physical functional performance improved more in the supplement group compared to standard care (p = 0.040), suggesting that regular adherence to supplementation may be necessary to achieve strength benefits.
Of 768 older hip fracture patients screened for the study, 123 were enrolled and 109 (89%) completed the full 12-week follow-up period, demonstrating good study completion rates in post-discharge rehabilitation settings.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether drinking special high-protein nutritional supplements after hip fracture surgery helps older adults regain strength and physical ability faster
- Who participated: 109 older adults (average age 65+) who had hip fracture surgery and weren’t eating enough protein before discharge from the hospital
- Key finding: Patients who drank the supplements ate much more protein (which is good), but the supplements didn’t improve their ability to stand up and sit down repeatedly compared to regular care—unless they actually drank them consistently
- What it means for you: If you’re recovering from hip fracture surgery, getting enough protein is important, but drinking supplements alone won’t automatically make you stronger. You need to actually use them regularly and combine them with physical therapy for best results.
The Research Details
Researchers recruited 768 older hip fracture patients from a Copenhagen hospital and randomly assigned 123 of them to two groups. One group received two cans of special high-protein drinks daily for 12 weeks after going home from the hospital. These drinks were packed with extra calories, protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids (healthy fats). The other group received standard care without the supplements. Both groups were sent home with rehabilitation plans to help them recover.
The researchers measured how well patients recovered by testing their strength and physical ability. The main test was the 30-second chair-stand test, where patients see how many times they can stand up and sit down in 30 seconds. They also measured muscle mass, hand grip strength, how well patients could do daily activities like getting dressed, and their overall quality of life. Most importantly, they tracked how much protein and calories patients actually ate.
This study design is important because it tests whether supplements actually work in real life after patients go home. Many studies test supplements in hospitals where doctors can watch patients closely, but this one followed people in their own homes. This makes the results more realistic and practical. The study also measured not just whether patients got stronger, but whether they actually ate better—which is the whole point of giving supplements.
This was a well-designed study published in a respected medical journal. Most patients (89%) completed the full 12 weeks, which is good. However, the study was relatively small with only 109 patients who finished, so the results might not apply to everyone. The researchers did two types of analysis: one that included all patients who started (even if they didn’t finish) and one that only included patients who actually drank the supplements as instructed. This helps show what happens in real life versus what could happen if everyone followed the plan perfectly.
What the Results Show
Both groups of patients improved their strength over 12 weeks, which is expected during recovery from hip fracture surgery. When researchers looked at all patients who started the study, there was no significant difference between the supplement group and the regular care group in how many times they could stand and sit in 30 seconds. This was surprising because the supplement group definitely ate more protein.
However, when researchers looked only at patients who actually drank the supplements as instructed (called the per-protocol analysis), the supplement group showed better improvement in their ability to stand and sit. This suggests that the supplements might work, but only if patients actually drink them regularly. The supplement group ate significantly more protein overall (p = 0.003), which was the main goal of giving the supplements.
The study measured many other things besides strength. Patients who drank the supplements had higher energy intake and much higher protein intake compared to the regular care group. However, the supplements didn’t significantly improve muscle mass, hand grip strength, ability to do daily activities, hydration status, inflammation levels, appetite, or quality of life when looking at all patients. The supplements also didn’t change omega-3 fatty acid levels in the blood as much as expected. These findings suggest that while the supplements successfully increased what patients ate, this didn’t automatically translate into other measurable improvements.
Previous research has shown that older adults often don’t eat enough protein, especially after surgery, which can slow recovery. This study confirms that supplements can help increase protein intake. However, earlier studies sometimes showed bigger benefits from supplements than this study found. The difference might be because this study looked at real-world use at home, where patients have more control over whether they actually drink the supplements. Other studies done in hospitals or with very close supervision sometimes show better results.
The study had several important limitations. First, it was relatively small with only 109 patients who finished, so results might not apply to all older adults. Second, researchers couldn’t force patients to drink the supplements, so some people drank them more than others—this is realistic but makes results harder to interpret. Third, the study only lasted 12 weeks, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer or fade away. Fourth, the study didn’t measure whether patients also did their physical therapy exercises, which are crucial for recovery. Finally, the study was done in Denmark, so results might differ in other countries with different healthcare systems or patient populations.
The Bottom Line
If you’re recovering from hip fracture surgery and your doctor says you’re not eating enough protein, nutritional supplements can help you get more protein. However, supplements alone won’t automatically make you stronger—you need to actually drink them consistently and do your physical therapy exercises. Talk to your doctor or a dietitian about whether supplements are right for you and how to use them properly. (Confidence level: Moderate—the evidence shows supplements help with nutrition but not automatically with strength)
This research is most relevant for older adults (65+) recovering from hip fracture surgery who aren’t eating enough protein. It’s also important for their doctors, nurses, and physical therapists who help plan recovery. Family members helping with recovery should know that supplements need to be used consistently to potentially help. People recovering from other types of surgery might benefit from similar approaches, but this study specifically tested hip fracture patients.
Both groups showed improvement over 12 weeks, which is the typical recovery timeline after hip fracture surgery. If you start supplements, you should expect to see changes in your protein intake within days or weeks, but improvements in strength and physical ability typically take several weeks to become noticeable. Don’t expect dramatic changes in the first week or two—recovery is gradual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do protein supplements help older adults recover faster from hip fracture surgery?
Protein supplements increase how much protein patients eat, which is important for recovery. However, a 2026 study of 109 hip fracture patients found supplements didn’t automatically improve strength unless patients drank them consistently. Regular use combined with physical therapy appears necessary for benefits.
How much protein do older adults need after hip fracture surgery?
The study showed that patients receiving supplements ate significantly more protein daily. While the exact amount varies by person, research suggests older adults recovering from surgery need more protein than usual. Ask your doctor or dietitian for your specific protein goal.
Will drinking nutritional supplements alone help me get stronger after surgery?
No. A 2026 trial found that supplements alone didn’t improve strength in most patients. Supplements help you eat better, but you also need to do physical therapy exercises regularly. The combination of good nutrition and exercise is what builds strength.
How long does it take to see improvement from nutritional supplements after hip fracture?
Both groups in the study improved over 12 weeks, which is typical recovery time. You should see changes in protein intake within days, but strength improvements usually take several weeks. Recovery is gradual, so be patient and consistent with both supplements and therapy.
Are there side effects from high-protein nutritional supplements?
The study didn’t report serious side effects from the supplements used. However, some people may experience digestive changes or have allergies to supplement ingredients. Always tell your doctor what supplements you’re taking, especially if you have kidney problems or other health conditions.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily protein intake in grams and number of times you can stand and sit in 30 seconds (or a similar strength measure your physical therapist recommends). Record this weekly to see if protein intake increases and strength improves over time.
- Set a daily reminder to drink your nutritional supplement at the same time each day (for example, with breakfast and dinner). Log each time you drink it in the app to track consistency, since the study showed that regular use matters more than just having the supplements available.
- Create a weekly check-in where you measure your progress with a simple strength test (like counting chair stands) and track your total protein intake. Compare your numbers week-to-week to see if consistent supplement use is helping you eat more protein and get stronger during recovery.
This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. The study tested supplements in older adults recovering from hip fracture surgery—results may not apply to other age groups or conditions. Before starting any nutritional supplements, especially if you have kidney disease, diabetes, or take medications, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian. This study was conducted in Denmark and results may vary based on individual health status, diet, and physical therapy adherence. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for your specific situation.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.