Scientists develop new supplement that can repair, rejuvenate muscles in older adults
By Kara Aaserud, McMaster University, Canada
July 19, 2017
“Whey protein supplements aren’t just for gym buffs according to new research from McMaster University. When taken on a regular basis, a combination of these and other ingredients in a ready-to-drink formula have been found to greatly improve the physical strength of a growing cohort: senior citizens.
The deterioration of muscle mass and strength that is a normal part of aging –known as sarcopenia—can increase the risk for falls, metabolic disorders and the need for assisted living, say researchers….
‘The results were more impressive than we expected,’ says Kirsten Bell, a PhD student who worked on the study.
Most notable, the findings showed improvements in deteriorating muscle health and overall strength for participants both before and after the exercise regimen.
In the first six weeks, the supplement resulted in 700 grams of gains in lean body mass – the same amount of muscle these men would normally have lost in a year. And when combined with exercise twice weekly, participants noticed greater strength gains– especially when compared with their placebo taking counterparts.
‘Clearly, exercise is a key part of the greatly improved health profile of our subjects,’ says Bell, ‘but we are very excited by the enhancements the supplement alone and in combination with exercise was able to give to our participants.'”