Researchers studied whether a special protein drink designed to build muscle could help older adults with muscle weakness recover better during hospital rehabilitation. The drink contained whey protein, an amino acid called leucine, and vitamin D. Compared to a regular protein drink with the same calories, the special formula helped patients leave the hospital sooner and go home instead of moving to care facilities. The study found that using this formula saved money for hospitals, insurance companies, and families—sometimes saving over €14,000 per patient. The faster recovery also meant hospitals could treat more patients with the same number of beds.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a special muscle-building protein drink helps older adults with muscle weakness recover faster during hospital rehabilitation and whether it saves money.
  • Who participated: Older adults hospitalized in Italy who had sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) and were receiving rehabilitation care. The study compared those who received the special formula to those who received a regular protein drink with the same number of calories.
  • Key finding: Patients who drank the special formula left the hospital about 3-4 weeks earlier on average, were more likely to go home instead of moving to a care facility, and cost significantly less to treat—saving €1,536 to €14,363 per patient depending on who was paying the bills.
  • What it means for you: If you’re an older adult recovering from hospitalization with muscle weakness, this formula may help you regain strength faster and return home sooner. However, this research was done in Italy with hospitalized patients, so talk to your doctor about whether it’s right for your situation.

The Research Details

This was a cost-consequence analysis, which means researchers looked at the IRIS clinical trial (a study that tested whether the special formula actually worked better) and then calculated all the money saved or spent. They tracked three different ways to measure costs: from the hospital’s perspective (just nutrition and therapy costs), from the insurance company’s perspective (including costs if patients moved to care facilities), and from society’s perspective (including costs families paid for home help). They followed patients for one year and recorded how much was spent on nutrition, rehabilitation, hospital stays, and where patients went after leaving the hospital.

Understanding the real-world costs of medical treatments is just as important as knowing whether they work. This study shows that the special formula didn’t just help patients recover better—it also saved significant money, which means hospitals could potentially treat more patients and families wouldn’t face as many expenses.

This analysis was based on data from the IRIS trial, which was a rigorous clinical study. The researchers looked at actual costs from the Italian healthcare system, making the results realistic for that country. However, costs vary by country and healthcare system, so the exact savings might be different in other places. The study didn’t provide the exact number of patients in the original trial, which limits how we can evaluate the strength of the evidence.

What the Results Show

The special muscle-targeted formula saved money from every perspective examined. From the hospital’s viewpoint, it saved €1,536 per patient per year. When looking at broader costs (including care facility placement), insurance companies saved €10,540 per patient. When including family expenses for home care, society saved €14,363 per patient. These savings were substantial because patients recovered faster and were able to go home instead of moving to long-term care facilities, which are much more expensive. The faster recovery meant patients spent less time in the hospital needing rehabilitation services.

The research showed that patients using the special formula had shorter hospital stays, which had a ripple effect on costs. Because patients recovered faster, they were more likely to be discharged to their homes rather than to institutional care settings. This is important because institutional care (nursing homes, assisted living) costs significantly more than home-based care. The study also calculated that if hospitals used this formula for 50-80% of eligible patients, they could free up 495,000 to 792,000 hospital bed-days per year in Italy, potentially allowing treatment of 10,500 to 18,000 additional patients annually.

Previous research has shown that protein-rich formulas with added leucine and vitamin D help build muscle in older adults. This study builds on that knowledge by showing that these benefits translate into real-world advantages—faster recovery and lower costs. The findings support what smaller studies have suggested: that targeted nutrition during rehabilitation can make a meaningful difference in outcomes for older adults with muscle weakness.

The study was conducted in Italy, so the cost savings may not apply exactly to other countries with different healthcare systems and pricing. The analysis was based on one clinical trial, and we don’t know exactly how many patients were in that original study. The research assumes that the special formula will be used consistently and properly, which may not always happen in real-world settings. Additionally, the study only looked at hospitalized patients during rehabilitation, so results may not apply to older adults with muscle weakness living at home.

The Bottom Line

For older adults hospitalized with age-related muscle loss who are undergoing rehabilitation, the special protein formula (containing whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D) appears to be a worthwhile option that may speed recovery and reduce costs. The evidence is moderately strong because it comes from a clinical trial, though more research in different countries would be helpful. Discuss with your doctor or nutritionist whether this formula is appropriate for your specific situation, especially if you have allergies, kidney problems, or other medical conditions.

This research is most relevant to: older adults hospitalized for rehabilitation with muscle weakness, their families concerned about recovery time and costs, hospital administrators looking to improve efficiency, and healthcare payers trying to reduce expenses. It’s less relevant to younger adults or those without significant muscle loss. People with severe kidney disease should consult their doctor before using high-protein formulas.

Based on the study, patients using the special formula recovered faster—typically leaving the hospital several weeks earlier than those on regular protein. You might expect to see improvements in strength and mobility within 2-4 weeks of consistent use during rehabilitation, though individual results vary. The biggest benefit appears to be the ability to return home sooner rather than moving to a care facility.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily protein intake (target: 1.2-1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight for older adults recovering from illness) and monitor weekly strength improvements using simple tests like how many times you can stand from a chair or how far you can walk.
  • If using this formula, set a daily reminder to consume it at the same time each day (such as with breakfast or lunch) to build consistency. Track which meals or snacks you pair it with to find the routine that works best for you.
  • Weekly check-ins on energy levels, muscle strength, and ability to perform daily activities (walking, climbing stairs, carrying groceries). Monthly assessments with your healthcare provider to measure progress and adjust the plan if needed. Keep a simple log of how you feel and any changes in your ability to do activities you care about.

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. The study was conducted in a hospital setting with patients undergoing supervised rehabilitation. Before starting any new nutritional supplement or formula, especially if you have kidney disease, allergies, or other medical conditions, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian. Results may vary based on individual health status, adherence to the program, and other factors. Cost savings mentioned are specific to the Italian healthcare system and may not apply in your country or region.