Argine, Lysine, HMB May Blunt Muscle Loss in Elderly 36113

Argine, Lysine, HMB May Blunt Muscle Loss in Elderly

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Supplementation with a mixture of arginine, lysine andbeta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) may slow the gradual loss of muscle inthe elderly, leading to improved functionality and strength, according toresearchers 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 weresupplemented with placebo or a mixture of specific nutrients, including 5 g ofarginine, 1.5 g of lysine and 2 g of HMB for 12 weeks. Arginine and lysine cansupport protein synthesis and HMB can slow protein breakdown, according to theresearchers. After 12 weeks of supplementation, there was a 17-percentimprovement in the get-up-and-go functionality test among women receivingthe multi-ingredient supplement, while the placebo group showed no change.Increases in limb circumference, leg and hand strength and fat-free mass werealso apparent in the supplemented group, as was whole-body protein synthesis,which increased approximately 20 percent. Researchers concluded the findingssupport the nutrients role in positively affecting muscle health in theelderly.