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Similar effects of leucine rich and regular dairy products on muscle mass and functions of older polymyalgia rheumatica patients: A randomized crossover trial

  • Similar Effects of Leucine Rich and Regular Dairy Products on Muscle Mass
  • Published:
The journal of nutrition, health & aging

Abstract

Objectives

Leucine-rich milk and whey proteins have been suggested for prevention of age related loss of muscle mass and strength i.e. sarcopenia. The effects of milk protein supplementation and low intensity home based physical exercise on body composition and muscle functions were investigated.

Design

A randomized double blind crossover trial.

Setting

Community dwelling members of Helsinki rheumatoid association.

Participants

Older people (N = 47, mean age 69.5 years) suffering from polymyalgia rheumatica.

Intervention

Patients performed as many stand ups as possible twice a day after which they ingested a regular (Control) or a whey protein enriched dairy product with high leucine content (Test). The 8-week intervention periods were separated by a 4-week wash-out.

Measurements

Body composition was measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry and muscle functions by hand grip strength, force platform countermovement jump performance, chair stand test, and walking speed.

Results

The 16-week home-based post-exercise supplementation resulted in a 1.8% increase (p = 0.052) in lower limb muscle mass. Walking speed (+5.3%, p = 0.007) and chair stand test performance (−12.2 %, p < 0.001) were also improved. Furthermore, a tendency for increased jump power (+3.0%, p = 0.084) was observed. However, significant and consistent differences were not found in the changes of muscle mass indices or muscle functions between supplements, but the test supplement tended to prevent accumulation of body fat.

Conclusion

A low intensity home based exercise program combined with post-exercise milk protein supplementation is feasible despite some gastrointestinal complaints and seems effective in improving the muscle mass and functions of older persons with a inflammatory disease. Further studies are needed to establish, whether and to what extent the use of leucine-enriched whey products prevent or treat age-associated sarcopenia and whether they are superior to the present commercial milk products.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinics of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Helsinki University Central Hospital, POB 340, FI-00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland

    Mikko P. Björkman & R. S. Tilvis

  2. Valio Ltd, R&D, POB 30, FI-00039 VALIO, Helsinki, Finland

    T. K. Pilvi, R. A. Kekkonen & R. Korpela

  3. Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki, POB 63, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland

    R. Korpela

Authors
  1. Mikko P. Björkman
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  2. T. K. Pilvi
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  3. R. A. Kekkonen
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  4. R. Korpela
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  5. R. S. Tilvis
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Correspondence to Mikko P. Björkman.

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Björkman, M.P., Pilvi, T.K., Kekkonen, R.A. et al. Similar effects of leucine rich and regular dairy products on muscle mass and functions of older polymyalgia rheumatica patients: A randomized crossover trial. J Nutr Health Aging 15, 462–467 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-010-0276-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-010-0276-6

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