Abstract
Preserving skeletal muscle mass and functional capacity is essential for healthy ageing. Transient periods of disuse and/or inactivity in combination with sub-optimal dietary intake have been shown to accelerate the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, predisposing to disability and metabolic disease. Mechanisms underlying disuse and/or inactivity-related muscle deterioration in the older adults, whilst multifaceted, ultimately manifest in an imbalance between rates of muscle protein synthesis and breakdown, resulting in net muscle loss. To date, the most potent intervention to mitigate disuse-induced muscle deterioration is mechanical loading in the form of resistance exercise. However, the feasibility of older individuals performing resistance exercise during disuse and inactivity has been questioned, particularly as illness and injury may affect adherence and safety, as well as accessibility to appropriate equipment and physical therapists. Therefore, optimising nutritional intake during disuse events, through the introduction of protein-rich whole-foods, isolated proteins and nutrient compounds with purported pro-anabolic and anti-catabolic properties could offset impairments in muscle protein turnover and, ultimately, the degree of muscle atrophy and recovery upon re-ambulation. The current review therefore aims to provide an overview of nutritional countermeasures to disuse atrophy and anabolic resistance in older individuals.
Highlights
Human skeletal muscle mass and strength are of great importance for maintaining cardio-metabolic health and locomotion in older age [1]
Novel data in elderly volunteers who were edentulous, found a significantly reduced postprandial rise in circulating plasma essential amino acids (EAAs) following a serving of lean beef meat, which subsequently resulted in an ~18% reduction in whole-body protein synthesis compared with older adults who had healthy natural dentition [74]
A more comprehensive multi-ingredient supplement (MIS) with several purportedly beneficial compounds (i.e., Whey protein (WP), EAAs, creatine, vitamin D, leucine, glutamine, Hydroxy-Beta-Methyl Butyrate (HMB) and n-3 FA’s) [207], may be a superior alternative to help support the maintenance of muscle mass and strength during ageing
Summary
Human skeletal muscle mass and strength are of great importance for maintaining cardio-metabolic health and locomotion in older age [1]. Following a ~3-h infusion period, a blunted MPS response was observed in older compared with younger adults [10]. This was subsequently confirmed in seminal work by Cuthbertson et al [11]. ~10 ~10 g provision observed in younger adults and is islikely byaadecrease decreaseinin postprandial anabolic sensitivity observed in younger adults and likelyexplained explained by postprandial anabolic sensitivity and diminished mTORC1 phosphorylationininolder olderadults adults [11] This age-related age-relatedanabolic anabolic resistance is likely an important in age-related muscle loss and, importantly, is exacerbated likelyisan important drivingdriving factor factor in age-related muscle loss and, importantly, is exacerbated during during intermittent periods of musculoskeletal disuse and reduced physical activity (PA),. In older individuals will likely reduce the length of hospital stay, complications following discharge and readmission rates to inpatient facilities
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
