Amino Acids, Carbs May Prevent Muscle Wasting

Amino Acids, Carbs May Prevent Muscle Wasting

GALVESTON, Texas--Essential amino acid and carbohydratesupplementation may offset the catabolic response to prolonged inactivity,according to a study published in the September issue of The Journal ofClinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (89, 9: 4351-4358, 2004) (http://jcem.endojournals.org).

In the study, conducted on patients undergoing bed rest, the control groupreceived a nutritionally mixed meal every five hours, while the experimentalgroup was given the same meal plus 16.5 g essential amino acids and 30 gcarbohydrate at the same intervals. Muscle protein, phenylalanine net balance,lean leg mass and leg extension strength were measured via methods includingmuscle biopsies and femoral arterio-venous blood samples.

Lean leg mass was maintained throughout the study in the experimental groupbut fell in the control group. Strength loss was also more pronounced in thecontrol group.

The researchers concluded essential amino acid and carbohydratesupplementation may represent a viable intervention for individuals at risk ofmuscle loss due to immobility or prolonged bed rest.