Muscle Mass and Aging

Exercise, Vitamins and Muscle Loss * At a recent conference of the American College of Physicians, it was stated a decline in muscle or lean body mass is linked with ageing. As muscle mass decreases, patients have increased problems with mobility and balance, which contributes to the increased risk of falls. It has been shown that highly trained athletes in their 70's have the same muscle mass as 25-year-olds. A weight-training program undertaken by sedentary, elderly individuals can increase muscle mass by 15% to 20%, and muscle strength by 150% in just 10 weeks. The recommendations shared at this meeting encouraged younger individuals to prevent later age-related disabilities by pursuing strength and aerobic training. Free radicals are noted to be related to heart disease, cancer, cataracts, Parkinson's disease, senile macular degeneration and some forms of arthritis and photodermatoses. However, the antioxidant nutrients including vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, protect the body from excess free radicals. Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid may also be used to decrease some forms of vascular disease. Degenerative conditions decrease in patients with high-circulating levels, or diets high in these nutrients, according to Dr. Irwin Rosenberg, director of the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University School of Medicine. 18400 "Exercise, Vitamins Help Avert Muscle Loss in Elderly", Kubetin, Sally Koch, Family Practice News, May 1, 1993;50. (Address: Sally Koch Kubetin, Family Practice News, 12230 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, MD 20852, U.S.A.)