Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. It arises as a consequence of aging or is caused by factors like disease, physical inactivity, or inadequate nutrition. Resistance training and a high-protein diet are the primary treatments for sarcopenia.
Sarcopenia falls under theMuscle Gain & Exercisecategory.
Last Updated:October 13, 2024
Sarcopenia is a progressive disorder characterized by the loss of muscle mass and strength, which lead to increased risks of falls, fractures, and other adverse outcomes. It can be classified as primary (due to aging alone) or secondary (when caused by factors such as disease, malnutrition, or inactivity).
The main signs and symptoms of sarcopenia include a history of recurrent falls, feelings of weakness, slow walking speed, difficulty rising from a chair, and recent unintentional weight loss that exceeds 5%. These indicators reflect a decline in muscle mass and function.
Sarcopenia is diagnosed by assessing muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, starting with grip strength measurements. If low muscle strength is found, further evaluations include tests for muscle quantity and physical performance, such as gait speed and the Timed Up-and-Go test.
There are no approved drugs specifically for sarcopenia, but testosterone treatment may help increase muscle mass and strength in older men with low testosterone levels. Additionally, selective androgen receptor modulators have shown potential for similar benefits and have fewer side effects than testosterone, although they are not FDA approved for sarcopenia either. Myostatin inhibitors also show promise in increasing muscle mass and physical performance, though their use for sarcopenia is currently limited to clinical trials.
Several supplements have been studied for sarcopenia and have shown efficacy in various scenarios, including protein, leucine, creatine, beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin D, particularly when combined with resistance exercise or in people with inadequate dietary intake.
Diet significantly affects sarcopenia, and protein is essential for muscle growth and maintenance; older adults require 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, distributed across 3 to 4 meals. Additionally, adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with improved physical functioning and mobility in older adults.
Resistance exercise is the most effective nonmedical treatment for sarcopenia, and 2 to 3 sessions per week using heavy loads or low-load training to volitional fatigue are recommended. Additionally, combining resistance training with a high-protein diet enhances effectiveness compared to either intervention alone.
Primary sarcopenia is caused by a variety of factors related to aging, including decreased muscle fiber size, loss of motor units, hormonal changes, decreased appetite, reduced physical activity, anabolic resistance, systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and increased body fat. These factors contribute to the condition, although their exact roles are not fully understood.
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