A new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, found Quercetin supplements in combination with low-intensity resistance exercise may improve muscle stiffness measures in older people. Additional benefits were seen in those people more at risk of developing Sarcopenia (muscle loss).
Over 45 people between the ages of 50 and 74 participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. All participants were assigned a low-intensity resistance training program in addition to receiving either a Quercetin supplement or a placebo. The intervention study lasted 24 weeks.
Stiffness of the vastus lateralis muscle, which is the largest of the quadriceps muscles were significantly lower in the Quercetin group when compared with the placebo group. No differences were seen however between the groups in measurements of the cross-sectional area of the thigh muscle or lean mass.
Muscle loss or Sarcopenia is considered to be a normal part of the aging process. Researchers believe that after the age of 50 we begin losing between 1 – 2 % of our muscle mass every year. Strength also declines as we age. It is thought that we may lose 1.5% of our strength beginning at age 50 and increasing to about 3% of our strength after the age of 60. Researchers in this study believe skeletal muscle aging is characterized by decreases in both muscle quality and quantity and could be felt by increased muscle stiffness.
More studies are needed.
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