New Supplement Can Curb Muscle Loss

29 Sep 2016 --- A new peer-reviewed study has revealed that the French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol, may be effective in curbing muscle loss that occurs with ageing, a natural process that leads to sarcopenia, a common condition affecting adults as early as age 65. 

The study, published in the September 2016 Journal on Orthopedics and Traumatology, revealed that daily supplementation with Pycnogenol helps to stabilize muscles through the natural aging process and supports muscular function and endurance.

According to the National Library of Medicine, physically inactive individuals can lose as much as eight percent of muscle mass each decade after 30. Even those who are physically active are still affected by muscle loss due to ageing, but can maintain more muscle mass.

“Muscle loss due to aging can affect even the most active individuals and can result in feelings of weakness and frustrating fatigue which can interfere with our daily activities.” said natural nutrition expert Dr. Fred Pescatore.

“This natural process is why opening a jar of pickles gets harder as we get older. We have less muscle to work with, so our muscles must work harder and, thus, we get tired faster.”

Dr. Pescatore continued, “This new study builds on a body of research connecting Pycnogenol to healthy aging. As we age, muscle loss starts to impact the daily activities we tend to take for granted like climbing stairs, lifting groceries or enjoying walks without getting tired. This research shows that Pycnogenol can help alleviate the symptoms of sarcopenia and can support muscle function as we age.”

The study looked at participants between ages 70 - 78 who were exhibiting symptoms of muscle loss, sarcopenia and fatigue, but were otherwise healthy. 

After 8 weeks of taking 150 mg of Pycnogenol, the study showed that participants who took Pycnogenol daily demonstrated greater muscular function and endurance in daily tasks when compared with a control group. 

For example, 71 percent of the Pycnogenol group showed an improvement when carrying items between 4-5lb, compared to 23 percent in the control group. 52 percent reported an improvement when climbing stairs, compared with 20 percent in the control group, and 38 percent reported improvement with distance walking compared with 17 percent in the control group.

The study also showed that Pycnogenol measurably reduced oxidative stress by 14 percent, a common measurement of sarcopenia that prevents the body from normal detoxifying and repair. 

Furthermore, the presence of protein in urine, known as proteinuria was also reduced by 40 percent after supplementation. Proteinuria can indicate waste from muscle erosion.

Overall, individuals who took Pycnogenol demonstrated improved general fitness scores by more than 46 percent in comparison with a control group who did not take the natural antioxidant.

“What I found really compelling is the measurable effect Pycnogenol had on the participants in relation to completing daily tasks,” Dr. Pescatore noted.

“The research shows that Pycnogenol can play a role in helping you stay active with greater muscular stability and maintain muscle function as you age.”

Experts recommend adequate amounts of sleep, in addition to diet and daily exercise to maintain physical fitness in later years, however, the makers of Pycnogenol insist that the results of this study are encouraging for those looking for an overall added boost in muscle function.