Aging Is Accompanied by a Blunted Muscle Protein Synthetic Response to Protein Ingestion
Benjamin Toby Wall, Stefan H. M. Gorissen, Bart Pennings, René Koopman, Bart B. L. Groen, Lex B. Verdijk, Luc J. C. van Loon · PLoS ONE (2015)
TL;DR
Studies suggest that older men build less new muscle after eating protein than younger men.
What they did
Researchers compared muscle building rates between healthy young and older men. They tested resting rates in 34 young men aged 22±1 y and 72 older men aged 75±1 y. They also tested rates after eating protein in 35 young men aged 22±1 y and 40 older men aged 74±1 y.
What they found
Resting muscle building rates did not differ significantly between the two age groups. After eating protein, muscle building rates were 16% lower in the older men than in the young. Muscle building rates were >3 fold more responsive to protein intake in the young group.
Why it matters
As people age, muscles may respond less efficiently to protein from meals. Studies suggest this change is linked to gradual muscle loss over time. Eating adequate dietary protein may help older adults maintain their strength.
Limits
The abstract does not discuss study limits, and the research only examined healthy men. This is general education, not medical advice.
Jargon explained
- Sarcopenia
- The loss of muscle mass and strength that often occurs with aging.
- Muscle protein synthesis
- The natural process where the body builds new muscle tissue using protein.
- Post-prandial
- The period of time occurring directly after eating food.
Read the original: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0140903
Full citation
Benjamin Toby Wall, Stefan H. M. Gorissen, Bart Pennings, René Koopman, Bart B. L. Groen, Lex B. Verdijk, Luc J. C. van Loon (2015). Aging Is Accompanied by a Blunted Muscle Protein Synthetic Response to Protein Ingestion. PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140903
Open access (gold): https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0140903
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Educational information only, not medical or dietary advice. Consult a qualified health professional for personal nutrition guidance.