A 54-year-old woman had been following a textbook approach to healthy aging: regular movement, nutrient-dense meals, and plenty of protein. Her daily intake topped over 130 grams, much higher than recommended, and included protein powders and high-protein snacks. But after removing supplements for just one week, her metabolic profile told a different story.
This case is about balance, not restriction. It shows how even well-intentioned habits can quietly push the body out of its metabolic comfort zone.
The protein dilemma in aging
Protein is essential to maintaining muscle mass as we age. Higher intake can protect against sarcopenia and frailty. But aging also brings a less efficient protein metabolism, sometimes called anabolic resistance. The result is a narrowing window between what we need and what we can use.
In this case, the client’s intake reached 2.53 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. That is significantly above the recommended range of 1.2 to 1.6 grams for her age group.
What changed after one week of lower protein intake
Using Maven Health’s Metabolic Insights test, we tracked changes across three domains: Energetic Balance, Cognitive Performance, and Mental & Emotional Wellbeing.
At baseline, her Energetic Balance score was well below the benchmark. Twelve out of fourteen amino acids were elevated, including leucine, valine, glutamic acid, and tyrosine. This profile suggested excess intake relative to metabolic need.
After removing protein powders and eggs for one week, her average amino acid levels dropped by 22 percent. Energetic Balance rose from 51 to 65. Overall Metabolic Wellness improved from 70 to 79. Cognitive and Emotional scores remained strong, showing no adverse effects from the change.
Caption: Boxplot showing the median protein concentration and interquartile ranges for the levels pre and post reduced-protein diet washout period. Points indicate individual amino acid measurements. Grey lines connect the individual amino acids pre and post measurements
No symptoms, but still risks
Interestingly, the client reported no change in how she felt. Energy, digestion, and sleep were all unchanged. But metabolically, her body was clearly under strain before the intervention.
This illustrates an important point. Amino acid imbalances can remain silent for months or years, without causing any noticeable symptoms. Metabolic testing can catch these early, long before they progress into chronic health issues.
For practitioners: moderation over maximization
Many clients in midlife and beyond turn to protein supplements as a proactive choice. While the intention is right, it’s easy to overshoot. This case highlights the importance of aligning intake with individual metabolic needs, especially as metabolism shifts with age.
By using saliva-based metabolomics, practitioners can uncover hidden inefficiencies and adjust dietary guidance accordingly.
Conclusion
A simple one-week pause from protein supplements helped this client rebalance her metabolism. The change wasn’t dramatic on the surface, but it was measurable in her biomarkers. With the right tools, even subtle adjustments can make a meaningful impact.
Metabolic testing empowers practitioners to fine-tune nutrition advice based on real data, not just general guidelines. For clients who want to stay strong and healthy as they age, that personalization can make all the difference.
Read our full Case Study here: Case Study Protein Washout
