The present invention relates to a formulation comprising whey protein or a hydrolysate of whey protein, which formulation is capable of inhibiting the expression of TNF.alpha. in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages in vitro. Also provided are uses of the formulation for attenuating a reduction in muscle function which results from muscle damage and/or for enhancing recovery from muscle damage and/or for enhancing the force generating capacity of muscle and methods of making the formulation.