1. Introduction
muscle loss, Sarcopenia, age-associated deterioration of muscle mass
SARCOPENIA
Introduction: Sarcopenia is common in people 70+ years of age, and its prevalence increases with further aging. Insufficient energy and protein intake accelerates muscle loss, whereas sufficient protein intake and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) may suppress age-associated deterioration of muscle mass and strength. Our objective was to test whether a snack product high in MFGM and protein would improve physical performance in older women. Methods: In this 12-week randomized controlled trial, women ≥ 70 years, with protein intake < 1.2 g/body weight (BW) kg/day (d), were randomized into intervention (n = 51) and control (n = 50) groups. The intervention group received a daily snack product containing ≥ 23 g of milk protein and 3.6–3.9 g of MFGM. Both groups were advised to perform a five-movement exercise routine. The primary outcome was the change in the five-time-sit-to-stand test between the groups. Secondary outcomes included changes in physical performance, cognition, hand grip strength, and health-related quality of life. Results: The change in the five-time-sit-to-stand test did not differ between the intervention and the control groups. The change in the total Short Physical Performance Battery score differed significantly, favoring the intervention group (Good physical performance is central to active and healthy aging. Physical performance relates not only to the musculoskeletal system, but also to other aspects of daily living. Sarcopenia can be defined as low muscle strength, mass, and quality according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 group [Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a complex structure composed primarily of lipids and proteins that surround fat globules in mammal milk. It is a source of multiple bioactive compounds, including phospholipids, glycolipids, and glycoproteins, that have important functional roles within the brain and gut [Previous studies on physical function and performance have found that MFGM supplementation may stimulate neuromuscular junction development, which is a critical structure of motor units involved in physical movement [So far, most of the research on MFGM supplementation on physical performance has been published from Japan [