PROTEIN AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF SARCOPENIA

Abstract

There is continuous ageing in world population. Although life expectancy still increases there is no similar trend in maintaining quality of life. The number of disabilities due to age is expected to double in 2060. Muscle mass is one of the most important factors of health and nutrition in old age and it constant loss is characteristic for process of ageing. Muscle mass is controlled by number of different factors. The most important of which is balance between muscle protein synthesis and degradation. Ageing has no influence on muscle protein degradation so for maintaining muscle mass it is better to target muscle protein synthesis. Optimal protein dose in the meal is the minimal amount of protein effecting in maximal anabolic response. Threshold for anabolic response increase with age. This process, named anabolic resistance can be overwhelmed with high amount of protein in diet. Experts in the field of ageing and nutrition recommend 1,2−1,5 g/kg/d protein for the maintaining of muscle mass, 1,2−1,5 g/kg/d for older with additional risk factors, 2,0 g/kg/d for seriously ill and malnourished. Physical training has synergistic influence with diet protein. Physical training improves muscle performance, muscle strength and prevents muscle wasting. Physical training combined with increased amount of protein in diet results with increased muscle mass.