Ergänzende bilanzierte Diät mit essenziellen Aminosäuren bei chronischen Krankheiten und im fortgeschrittenen Alter

Abstract

Muscle protein metabolism is the main determinant in the development of both sarcopenia and cachexia. A vast array of pathophysiological mechanisms is involved in the dysbalance between anabolic and catabolic factors. Unlike cachexia, sarcopenia is not usually associated with weight loss. However, one of the prominent features of sarcopenia is the development of functional impairment and its clinical consequences. Over the last several years, a large number of studies has been published that buttress the value of essential amino acids as a nutritional supplement in sarcopenia and in chronic illnesses that are frequently associated with the development of cachexia. Such illnesses include diabetes mellitus, chronic heart and chronic renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and malignant diseases. This article reviews the pathophysiological background of muscle protein metabolism as well as sarcopenia and cachexia as clinical entities. Moreover, this article provides an overview of studies that used essential amino acids as a nutritional supplement in the aforementioned illnesses.