Science Snapshot: Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia refers to the loss of muscle mass, strength and endurance, and begins as early as our 30s. We lose about 8% of muscle mass per decade until we reach age 70, after which the loss increases to 15% per decade. By the time we’re in our 80s, we’re likely to have about 50% of our muscle that we had in our youth.^1, 2Sarcopenia can lead to body composition changes, loss of mobility and independence, as well as increased risk of disability and earlier mortality. There are a variety of factors that impact the quantity and quality of muscle as we age, including environmental factors, and changes in the muscles, nervous system, immune system and hormones: ³ 

Muscle Matters 

Skeletal muscle is attached to the skeleton and, through our control, help us to move our bodies. These muscles are generally comprised of two groups of fibres. Type 1 are considered slow oxidative or slow twitch fibres. Type 2 are called the fast glycolic or fast twitch fibers. Slow twitch fibres are the ones generally engaged during low intensity activity. Most strength generated comes from type I fibers, and these are ones used in maintaining posture. Fast twitch fibers produce rapid, forceful contractions to make quick, powerful movements. These fibers fatigue quickly, meaning they only be used for short periods. As we age, atrophy affects type II fibers almost exclusively.⁴ 

With age, we also experience decrease in satellite cells, which are stem cells that are activated in response to muscle injury or stress caused by heavy muscle use (weight-bearing activity) to begin the process of muscle repair and regeneration. Reduction of satellite cells is also most obvious in the type-2 skeletal muscle fibers. ⁵ 

Finally, research shows that as we age, adipose tissue (fat) infiltrates muscle tissue. Loss of muscle mass triggers a 2–3% decline in basal metabolic rate (BMR) each decade after the age of 20 years and 4% per decade after the age of 50 years. A reduced BMR obviously influences fat-burning. These changes in body composition have been identified as sarcopenic obesity.⁶ 

Nervous system 

Groups of motor units work together to contract a single muscle. Throughout the lifespan, skeletal muscle undergoes a continuous cycle of reinnervation (nerve supply) and denervation (loss of nerve supply), much like the process of bone-building and tear-down. As we age, however, denervation outpaces innervation, which contributes to the loss of motor units. Research shows that we maintain motor unit numbers into the our 60s, when they start to decline rapidly. ⁷ 

Immune system 

Immune cells are important for myogenesis (muscle tissue formation) and regeneration. Aging of immune white blood cells called macrophages has been implicated in the decrease in the number and ability of satellite cells to form muscular tissue. Aging also contributes to an imbalance in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory networks that causes a low-grade, chronic systemic inflammation termed inflammaging.⁸ 

Among other things, inflammaging is associated with muscle wasting. Increased visceral fat also triggers a higher secretion of pro-inflammatory adipokines associated with insulin resistance and muscle catabolism. In other words, there is a circular relationship between muscle loss and fat gain that may lead to more sarcopenia and then to further metabolic problems and inflammation.⁸ 

Hormones 

Aging is associated with changes in hormones production and sensitivity that influence muscle anabolism and catabolism. There is a decrease in both growth hormone and androgens as we age, as well as increases in cortisol production in both sexes. These decreases parallel changes in body composition that include increased visceral fat as well as decreased lean body mass and bone strength. Significantly, studies so far do not show that GH and testosterone therapy is beneficial. It’s possible that increased visceral fat cells combined with the loss of fat burning potential due to declining growth hormone levels amplify the fat problem. ¹ 

Environment: Diet and Exercise 

Exercise to maintain and build muscle is critical for sarcopenia prevention and management in myriad ways. Let’s also pick up the thread about insulin resistance. Research shows that exercise improves metabolic control by increasing muscle glucose uptake during muscle contractions by mechanisms that do not depend on insulin. Muscle remains more sensitive to insulin for 24–48 h after exercise, even for those with type 2 diabetes. Although resistance training is critical for muscle building, aerobic exercise is also essential for anabolism as it may help to increase amino acid delivery to muscle.³ 

From the lab: 

Research suggests that supplementation with essential amino acids – especially branch chain amino acids – may help to build and repair muscle tissue and increase skeletal energy uptake.⁹ Some evidence suggests that protein supplementation is anabolic, and that whey protein may have an improved anabolic effect over more slowly absorbed proteins.¹⁰ Collagen supplementation has also been shown to build lean muscle when combined with regular resistance training and a healthy balanced diet.¹¹ 

Reviews of individual nutrients show that selenium and calcium are associated with muscle mass, while magnesium, selenium, iron and zinc are associated with physical performance in older adults.¹² Adding vitamin D to protein supplementation appears to promote muscle health improvements in research.¹⁰ Finally, research has shown that omega 3 supplements may help to promote anabolism and functional decline in older adults.¹³  

Nutrients to Support Muscle Health 

Nutrient	Benefits	Body Plus Brands and Products
Essential amino acids (especially BCAAs)	Supports repair of muscle cells after exercise and helps in energy metabolism with a steady supply of fermented BCAAs	Iron Vegan Amino Octane
Protein (especially whey)	Source of protein, including whey. Fortified with support nutrients for optimal health	Harmonized Protein
Vitamin D	Vitamin D3 helps improve the body’s absorption of calcium and phosphorous	Progressive D3; Smart Solutions Vitamin D3 Droplets
Collagen	Helps builds lean muscle when combined with regular resistance training and a healthy balanced diet	Progressive Complete Collagen
Essential fats	Supports cardiovascular health, brain function and healthy mood balance	Progressive OmegEssential
Vitamins and minerals	Helps to support proper muscle and immune function, energy production and overall good health	Progressive VegEssential All in One

Research has also shown we should aim to consume 25-30 g of protein at each meal and reach intake levels of 1.2 g/ kg body daily to maximize muscle protein.¹⁰ Long-terms prevention and care strategies should also include a focus on glucose⁶ and stress (cortisol)¹⁴ management.  

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