After menopause, women’s bodies go through changes that can weaken muscles and affect how their bodies use water. Researchers want to test whether almond protein powder—a new plant-based option—could help postmenopausal women as well as whey protein does. This study will compare how different protein drinks affect women’s blood chemistry, hydration, and how full they feel. By understanding which protein works best, doctors and nutritionists can give better advice to women going through this important life stage.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether almond protein powder affects the body’s amino acids (building blocks of protein) and hydration the same way as whey protein in women after menopause
  • Who participated: About 20 postmenopausal women (women who have gone through menopause and are no longer having periods)
  • Key finding: This is a study plan, not yet completed results. The researchers will test how almond protein powder, whey protein, regular almond milk, and water affect women’s blood chemistry and how hydrated they stay over 3 hours
  • What it means for you: If almond protein powder works as well as whey protein, it could be a good plant-based choice for women after menopause who want to keep their muscles strong and stay hydrated. However, we need to wait for the actual results before making any changes to what you eat

The Research Details

This is a protocol paper, which means it describes the plan for a study that hasn’t been completed yet. The researchers will have about 20 postmenopausal women visit the lab four different times. Each time, the women will drink one of four different beverages: plain almond milk, almond milk with almond protein powder added, almond milk with whey protein added, or just water. The women won’t know which drink they’re getting each time to keep the results fair.

After drinking each beverage, the researchers will take blood samples and urine samples from the women over the next 3 hours. They’ll also ask the women questions about how hungry they feel, how thirsty they are, and whether they have any stomach problems. This crossover design means each woman tries all four drinks on different days, which helps researchers compare how each person responds to different drinks.

Postmenopausal women are an important group to study because their bodies change in ways that make it harder to keep muscles strong and stay properly hydrated. Many women don’t eat enough protein during this time. If plant-based proteins like almond protein powder work just as well as animal-based whey protein, it gives women more choices that are better for the environment. This study will help answer real questions about whether these different protein sources actually work the same way in the body.

This study has several strengths: it focuses on a group of women who don’t get studied enough, it uses a crossover design where each woman is her own comparison (reducing differences between people), and it measures both what’s happening in the blood and how women feel about the drinks. However, this is only measuring what happens right after drinking, not what happens over weeks or months. Also, the different drinks have different amounts of fat and fiber, which could affect the results in ways that make it hard to know if the protein itself is the only difference.

What the Results Show

This is a protocol paper, so there are no results yet. The study hasn’t been completed. When it is finished, the researchers will measure the levels of amino acids (the building blocks of protein) in the women’s blood after each drink. They’ll look at all 20 different amino acids to see if almond protein powder creates the same pattern in the blood as whey protein does.

They’ll also measure hydration by checking urine volume, body weight changes, how concentrated the urine is, and the salt balance in the blood. These measurements will show whether almond protein powder affects how much water the body holds onto, just like whey protein might.

The researchers will also ask women about their appetite, thirst, stomach comfort, and whether they like the taste of each drink. These subjective measures are important because even if a protein powder is healthy, people won’t use it if it tastes bad or makes them feel uncomfortable. The study will also measure blood sugar and insulin responses, which show how the body processes the different drinks.

Most research on protein supplements in postmenopausal women has focused on whey protein or other animal sources. Very little is known about how almond protein powder—which is a newer product made from leftover material after almond oil is extracted—affects the body. This study will be one of the first to directly compare almond protein powder to whey protein in this population. Previous research suggests that plant-based proteins can support muscle health, but almond protein powder is different from other plant proteins because it keeps some fat, fiber, and minerals that are usually removed.

This study only measures what happens in the 3 hours right after drinking, so we won’t know if the effects last longer or change over time. The different drinks have different amounts of fat and fiber, which could affect results in ways that aren’t just about the protein. The study is small (about 20 women), so results might not apply to all postmenopausal women. Also, this is just a study plan right now—we’re waiting for the actual results to be published.

The Bottom Line

Wait for the actual study results before making changes. Once published, if almond protein powder shows similar benefits to whey protein for amino acids and hydration, it could be a good option for postmenopausal women who prefer plant-based proteins. The recommendation level will depend on the actual results, which aren’t available yet. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist before starting any new protein supplement.

Postmenopausal women who want to maintain muscle strength and stay hydrated should pay attention to this research. Women who prefer plant-based options or have concerns about environmental impact may find this especially relevant. Women with kidney disease, certain medical conditions, or those taking medications should talk to their doctor before using protein supplements. This research is less relevant for premenopausal women or men, though some findings might apply to them.

This study measures immediate effects (within 3 hours), so we can’t say how long benefits would last or whether they’d build up over weeks or months. If you were to use almond protein powder based on future results, you’d likely need to use it regularly for several weeks to see effects on muscle strength or overall health. Real changes in muscle mass or hydration status typically take 4-12 weeks to become noticeable.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Once results are available, users could track daily protein intake (grams per day) and hydration status (cups of water or fluids consumed, urine color) to see if almond protein powder helps them meet protein goals and stay hydrated
  • If results support almond protein powder, users could set a goal to add one serving of almond protein powder to their daily routine (such as in a smoothie or with breakfast) and track how they feel, energy levels, and muscle strength over 8-12 weeks
  • Users could monitor weekly body weight, energy levels, muscle soreness after exercise, and how satisfied they feel after meals. They could also track thirst and urine color as simple hydration indicators. Monthly check-ins could assess whether they’re meeting their protein goals and noticing any changes in strength or overall wellness

This article describes a research study plan that has not yet been completed or published with results. The findings discussed are theoretical and based on the study protocol only. This information is for educational purposes and should not be used to make health decisions. Postmenopausal women considering protein supplements should consult with their healthcare provider or registered dietitian before starting any new supplement, especially if they have kidney disease, diabetes, or take medications. Individual responses to supplements vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always discuss new dietary supplements with your doctor before use.