Optimizing Muscle Health in Sarcopenia With Dietary Supplements: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT Aims Sarcopenia, the age‐related decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength and functionality, significantly contributes to frailty, falls and disability among older adults, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare expenditures. As the global population ages and multimorbidity becomes more widespread, there has been growing interest in nutritional strategies to address sarcopenia. This comprehensive review highlights the current evidence regarding dietary supplements and nutraceuticals that support muscle health during aging, with particular emphasis on their efficacy, safety and interactions with resistance training. Methods An extensive review of literature from PubMed and Embase up to 2025 was conducted, including randomized controlled trials, meta‐analyses and mechanistic studies concerning creatine, amino acids, whey protein, collagen peptides, vitamin D, vitamin C, omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and β ‐hydroxy‐ β ‐methylbutyrate (HMB). Results Although exercise remains the fundamental intervention for managing sarcopenia, certain supplements can enhance anabolic responses when combined with physical training. Creatine and leucine‐enriched amino acids consistently increase lean mass and strength; whey protein supports muscle hypertrophy, particularly in individuals with low baseline protein intake. Vitamin D offers benefits to individuals with deficiencies, while omega‐3 PUFAs can moderately enhance physical function. Collagen peptides and HMB provide modest yet meaningful improvements when used adjunctively with resistance exercise. It is important to note that no supplement is effective as a sole intervention. Side effects are infrequent at recommended dosages; however, excessive vitamin D intake or high doses of fish oil may carry risks for some individuals. Conclusions Overall, a multifaceted approach combining resistance training and targeted nutritional supplementation is advocated to maintain muscle health during aging. Future large‐scale clinical trials are warranted to elucidate optimal combinations, dosages and patient populations most likely to benefit from such interventions.