- Sarcopenia, which is the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, affects many adults when they get older.
- The loss of muscle mass can contribute to mobility problems, frailty, and subsequent reduction in independence for many older people.
- Researchers, including from Nestle Research, found that a compound found in coffee and fenugreek, but also made in the microbiome in the gut, improves energy metabolism in muscle fibers in humans, mice, and worms.
Sarcopenia describes the loss of skeletal muscle that occurs naturally as we age.
Approximately 10%-16% of people over the age of 65 are thought to be affected worldwide, and prevalence is higher in people with other conditions, for example, cancer and diabetes.
It is a natural part of aging, and the average adult loses about 250g of muscle each year between the ages of 30 and 60, and this accelerates after the age of 70.
This can lead to mobility problems, falls and frailty that often leads to a loss of independence in older people. As such, it represents a significant disease burden in an aging population.
A recent study looking at worms, male mice and tissue samples taken from male participants affected by sarcopenia, investigated the molecular mechanisms underpinning this condition.
They found that a compound found in coffee and fenugreek, but also made in the microbiome in the gut, can improve muscle function in aging humans, mice, and worms.
The results were published in a letter to Nature Metabolism.
Dr. Kubanych Takyrbashev the Health and Wellness Advisor at NAO, who has previously worked as a doctor specializing in critical care of older adults, who was not involved in the study, explained to Medical News Today how sarcopenia affects aging humans:
“One of the most concerning implications of sarcopenia is the increased risk of falls and fractures. Declining muscle mass and strength contribute to decreased mobility and agility, making individuals more susceptible to accidents. Additionally, sarcopenia…
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