An Integrated Approach to Skeletal Muscle Health in Aging

Abstract

A decline in muscle mass and function represents one of the most problematic changes associated with aging, and has dramatic effects on autonomy and quality of life. Several factors contribute to the inexorable process of sarcopenia, such as mitochondrial and autophagy dysfunction, and the lack of regeneration capacity of satellite cells. The physiologic decline in muscle mass and in motoneuron functionality associated with aging is exacerbated by the sedentary lifestyle that accompanies elderly people. Regular physical activity is beneficial to most people, but the elderly need well-designed and carefully administered training programs that improve muscle mass and, consequently, both functional ability and quality of life. Aging also causes alteration in the gut microbiota composition associated with sarcopenia, and some advances in research have elucidated that interventions via the gut microbiota–muscle axis have the potential to ameliorate the sarcopenic phenotype. Several mechanisms are involved in vitamin D muscle atrophy protection, as demonstrated by the decreased muscular function related to vitamin D deficiency. Malnutrition, chronic inflammation, vitamin deficiencies, and an imbalance in the muscle–gut axis are just a few of the factors that can lead to sarcopenia. Supplementing the diet with antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, probiotics, prebiotics, proteins, kefir, and short-chain fatty acids could be potential nutritional therapies against sarcopenia. Finally, a personalized integrated strategy to counteract sarcopenia and maintain the health of skeletal muscles is suggested in this review.

Diabetic Rats Induced Using a High-Fat Diet and Low-Dose Streptozotocin Treatment Exhibit Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Osteoporotic Bone Pathologies

“…This immunomodulatory property could potentially ameliorate the development of bone diseases, such as osteoarthritis (by inhibiting chondrocyte inflammation) and osteoporosis (by remodeling/rebalancing osteoblast and osteoclast activity) [ 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 ]. Moreover, the gut microbiota plays a critical role in regulating intestinal calcium absorption and vitamin D metabolism, essential for mitochondrial quality control (metabolic homeostasis), macrophage polarization (immunomodulation), and bone cell mineralization [ 59 , 61 , 62 , 63 ]. Additionally, Omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in fish oil, have shown promise in modulating immune responses and inhibiting osteoclast activity, offering protective effects against bone resorption in T2DM patients, especially in older adults [ 57 , 58 , 59 ].…”

The Importance of Nutrition in Menopause and Perimenopause—A Review

“…However, when there is not enough UV-B radiation, dietary vitamin D intake is also important (e.g., in Central Europe from October to March, or if someone does not spend enough time outdoors, uses sun protection creams, or wears clothing that fully covers the skin). With ageing, the rate of hydroxylation of vitamin D precursors in the body decreases, so the importance of exogenous vitamin D intake increases with age [ 83 , 84 ].…”

The Effect of Vitamin D Consumption on Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Athletes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…There is evidence that shows that dietary supplements with 2000 to 5000 international units of vitamin D per day have a better effect on bone health and skeletal muscle function [ 27 ]. Moreover, low levels of vitamin D or vitamin D deficiency have also been shown to be associated with sarcopenia [ 29 ]. Vitamin D deficiency, decreased muscular function, and a higher incidence of sarcopenia have all been linked in numerous human studies [ 30 ].…”