Amino Acid Supplementation Can Reverse Muscle Loss From Inactivity

Amino Acid Supplementation Can Reverse Muscle Loss From Inactivity

GALVESTON, Texas--In a study published in theJuly issue of Journal of Nutrition (135:1809-1812)(www.nutrition.org),researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch and The ShrinersHospital for Children report supplementation with essential amino acids (EAAs)can help reverse lean muscle loss in healthy people who have undergone aprolonged period of bed rest or involuntary inactivity. Decreased muscle proteinsynthesis leads to a decrease in whole body protein turnover, resulting in asubstantial loss of lean body mass. Researchers noted the muscle loss is evengreater when accompanied by stress, such as during convalescence following aninjury or trauma.

The study results showed an EAA supplement formulated to match the EAAs inmuscle can provide a potent anabolic stimulus for muscle protein. EAAsupplementation during 28 days of bed rest stimulated net muscle proteinsynthesis and lessened function decline compared to a placebo. However, thescientists added nutritional intervention alone is not as effective inmaintaining lean muscle mass during severe stress and inactivity, and otheranabolic stimuli may be necessary.