The adverse effects associated with age-related loss of skeletal muscle and function can be checked with increased physical activity and nutritional supplementation.

A study evaluated the effect of nutritional supplementation with whey protein, essential amino acids (including leucine), and vitamin D,in association with regular, controlled physical activity on fat-free mass, strength, physical function, and quality of life, and the risk of malnutrition in elderly with sarcopenia.

One hundred thirty sarcopenic elderly (mean age 80.3 y) were recruited in this 12-wk randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. All participants were involved in a controlled physical activity program. Body composition, muscle strength, blood biochemical indexes of nutritional and health status, global nutritional status, physical function, and quality of life were evaluated.

Supplementation with physical activity appeared to enhance fat-free mass (1.7kg increase), relative skeletal muscle mass, android distribution of fat, handgrip strength, standardized summary scores for physical components, activities of daily living, mini nutritional assessment, and insulin-like growth factor I, and decreased C-reactive protein, in comparison with physical activity and placebo.

Supplementation with whey protein, essential amino acids, and vitamin D, along with controlled exercise, was thus shown to enhance fat-free mass and strength besides other aspects that have a potential role in the well-being of sarcopenic elderly.

Reference

1. Rondanelli M, Klersy C, Terracol G, et al. Whey protein, amino acids, and vitamin D supplementation with physical activity increases fat-free mass and strength, functionality, and quality of life and decreases inflammation in sarcopenic elderly. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Mar;103(3):830-40.