Argine, Lysine, HMB May Blunt Muscle Loss in Elderly

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Supplementation with a mixture of arginine, lysine and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) may slow the gradual loss of muscle in the elderly, leading to improved functionality and strength, according to researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nutrition, 20, 5:445-51, 2004) (www.elsevier.com/locate/nut).

During the double blind studies, women averaging 77 years of age were supplemented with placebo or a mixture of specific nutrients, including 5 g of arginine, 1.5 g of lysine and 2 g of HMB for 12 weeks. Arginine and lysine can support protein synthesis and HMB can slow protein breakdown, according to the researchers. After 12 weeks of supplementation, there was a 17-percent improvement in the get-up-and-go functionality test among women receiving the multi-ingredient supplement, while the placebo group showed no change. Increases in limb circumference, leg and hand strength and fat-free mass were also apparent in the supplemented group, as was whole-body protein synthesis, which increased approximately 20 percent. Researchers concluded the findings support the nutrients role in positively affecting muscle health in the elderly.