An Update on Protein, Leucine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Vitamin D in the Prevention and Treatment of Sarcopenia and Functional Decline
Nutrients 2018, 10(8), 1099; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10081099
Anne-Julie Tessier 1,2 and Stéphanie Chevalier 1,2,3, stephanie.chevalier at mcgill.ca
1 School of Human Nutrition, McGill U., 21111 Lakeshore Rd, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
2 Research Institute of the McGill U. Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Blvd, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
3 Department of Medicine, McGill U., 845 Sherbrooke St. W, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
Received: 22 July 2018 / Revised: 9 August 2018 / Accepted: 14 August 2018 / Published: 16 August 2018
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Intake and Musculoskeletal Health)
This study documents trials using various combinations to succesfully decrease Sarcopenia
Their hypothesis is that using all 5 elements will synergistically treat Sarcopenia
- Postmenopausal women need Vitamin D, protein and exercise to prevent loss of muscle and bone – Aug 2018
- In the same Special Issue as the study on this page
- Sarcopenia (muscle loss) fought by Vitamin D, exercise and protein - many studies - many studies
Vitamin D Life pages containing SARCOPENIA in title (16 as of Oct 2021)
This list is automatically updated
Download the PDF from Vitamin D Life
Aging is associated with sarcopenia and functional decline, leading to frailty and disability. As a modifiable risk factor, nutrition may represent a target for preventing or postponing the onset of these geriatric conditions. Among nutrients, high-quality protein, leucine, vitamin D, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are of particular interest for their demonstrated effects on skeletal muscle health. This narrative review aims to examine the recent observational and interventional evidence on the associations and the role of these nutrients in the muscle mass, strength, mobility, and physical function of free-living older adults, who are either healthy or at risk of frailty. Recent evidence supports a higher protein intake recommendation of 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day in healthy older adults; an evenly distributed mealtime protein intake or minimal protein per meal may be beneficial. In addition, vitamin D supplementation of 800–1000 IU, particularly when vitamin D status is low, and doses of ~3 g/day of n-3 PUFA may be favorable for physical function, muscle mass, and strength. Reviewed studies are highly heterogenous, yet the quantity, quality, and timing of intakes should be considered when designing intervention studies. Combined protein, leucine, vitamin D, and n-3 PUFA supplements may convey added benefits and may represent an intervention strategy in the prevention of sarcopenia and functional decline.