Dr. Donald Layman
Professor Emeritus of Nutrition
Protein metabolism • muscle protein synthesis • healthy aging
About the expert
Focus: Dietary protein, muscle protein synthesis, healthy aging, and leucine signaling
Dr. Donald Layman is a professor emeritus whose lifetime research focuses on dietary protein, muscle protein synthesis, leucine signaling, and the role of adequate protein in healthy aging. He has been a leading voice arguing that conventional protein RDAs underestimate human needs, especially in older adults.
Why this matters
Academic researcher and professor emeritus focused on protein metabolism, muscle protein synthesis, and dietary protein recommendations for healthy aging. Operates within mainstream nutrition science while arguing that current RDAs are too low for older adults; strongest on mechanistic and short-term trial data, with ongoing debate about exact optimal targets and long-term lifespan outcomes.