Diet and exercise can prevent muscle loss in old age

Washington: A new study has revealed that diet supplementation combined with exercise training is very effective in preventing muscle loss especially in old age.

The study conducted by the scientists of University of Southampton explained that between the ages of 40 and 80, an estimated 30 to 50 per cent of muscle mass is lost termed as sarcopenia and results in lower strength and less ability to carry out everyday tasks, but one can prevent this by combining diet with exercise.

Professor Sian Robinson, head scientists said that poor diets and being physically inactive are common in older age, but by understanding the benefits of maintaining sufficient levels of physical activity and diet quality the problem can be solved.

Robinson further mentioned that current evidence is incomplete and inconsistent and further research ought to be done to determine the benefits of supplementation and exercise training for older people.

The study is published in Clinical Interventions in Ageing.