Effects of milk fat globule membrane supplementation on physical function and body composition in older adults: a narrative review

BACKGROUND: Healthy aging is a priority for many individuals; however, a decline in physical function and poor body composition are common age-related changes that can cause the added years from rising life expectancy to be spent in poor health. Consequently, understanding the mechanisms involved in aging has become increasingly important, including the role of phospholipids (PLs) and how age-related changes in PL content may interfere with lipid metabolism and normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system. Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a bovine milk fraction rich in PLs that may have the potential to support good physical health, so that quality of life can rise alongside life expectancy. METHODS: This narrative review was based on a literature search conducted on Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus in May 2026 using the following keywords and Boolean operators: milk fat globule membrane OR MFGM AND physical function OR body composition OR older adults. Studies were included if they were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating MFGM's effects on physical function and/or body composition in older adults. RESULTS: Findings suggest that MFGM supplementation, when consumed in conjunction with exercise, is an effective way to improve physical function in older adults, particularly among Japanese cohorts; however, changes in habitual diet in response to exercise, variable PL concentrations, and other added ingredients used in interventions may have influenced these results. In contrast, its effects on body composition appear more modest, with some studies reporting no benefits, especially when exercise was not part of the study design, or when compliance may have been a factor. CONCLUSIONS: Beyond the combined use of supplementation and exercise, future RCTs should consistently report participant compliance and, where possible, examine MFGM as a standalone intervention to distinguish its effects from other bioactive ingredients. Greater standardization is also needed, particularly regarding PL dose. Studies should also aim to include participants from more diverse ethnic backgrounds to capture a wider range of physiological responses and improve generalizability of the findings.