5. Conclusions
decline of skeletal muscle strength
This study revealed that the combination of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, and continuous intake of MCT composed exclusively of MCFAs, is more effective in maintaining and suppressing the decline of skeletal muscle strength compared to the regular intake of LCT alone. In other words, it has been demonstrated that the combination of a relatively easy-to-implement exercise therapy without resistance training and MCT intake shows additional preventive effects. It is speculated that the action of ingested MCFAs enhances fatty acid oxidation capacity in the muscles, resulting in increased muscle strength compared to LCT intake, as it provides ample energy supply during muscle activation. The increase in muscle strength through the intake of foods containing MCFAs and the implementation of an active lifestyle contributes to the maintenance of health in middle-aged and older adults at high risk of frailty and, consequently, achieves societal contributions through the reduction in national medical and nursing care expenses by extending healthy life expectancy.