We know that aging causes a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength which is known as sarcopenia. In fact, individuals lose muscle mass at a rate of 1-2% per year as they age past 50 years [1], resulting in a significant decrease of muscle strength. This age-related loss of muscle has many consequences in the elderly (i.e. impaired physical function, increased risk of falls, fractures, dependency, and death).
Also, oxidative stress increases with aging and has been thought to have a role in the development of sarcopenia [2]. Mitochondrial abnormalities, which generate excessive oxidative stress, have also been proposed as key factors in muscle alterations during aging [3].
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) refers to a mixture of positionally and geometrically conjugated dienoic isomers of linoleic acid (LA). Interest in CLA has been around for a long time due to its many bioactive properties related to health. It’s been shown that dietary CLA reduces carcinogenesis, decreases body fat, increases lean body mass, enhances feed efficiency, protects against oxidative stress, modulates circulating lipids, and prevents impaired glucose tolerance in diabetes [4]. CLA has received FDA approval for use in various food supplements. Another important quality of CLA is its ability to act as an antioxidant and CLA has been shown to control oxidative status [5].
The research…
A recent study determined if dietary CLA can preserve age-associated skeletal muscle loss in a manner which would alter the oxidative stability of these tissues. Mice at 12 months of age (elderly mice) were divided into a control and CLA group and were given an ad libitum diet (i.e. eat at their leisure) for 6 months.
The results…
The following are the key findings of this research:
CLA group showed significantly higher muscle mass, as compared to control group.
CLA group demonstrated enhanced mitochondrial ATP production, with higher membrane potential, and elevated muscle antioxidant enzymes (i.e. catalase and glutathione peroxidase) production.
Oxidative stress was significantly less in the CLA group.
Bottom line…
A few key take home messages from this research are:
The progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass with advancing age is believed to play a major role in the pathogenesis of frailty and functional impairment that occurs with old age.
Mitochondria is the dominating target of oxidative damage in aged skeletal muscle [6], and it appears that the significant decline in mitochondrial function in aging muscle may be an important factor leading to sarcopenia of old age [1].
Inflammation is likely another important contributing factor in sarcopenia and also contributes to the erosion of muscle mass [7].
In summary of this research, CLA may be a novel dietary supplement that will prevent sarcopenia by maintaining oxidation state during aging. Many studies keep on backing up the potential of this supplement. We are now beginning to understand the intricate mechanisms behind how CLA imposes its benefits. CLA 1000 is an outstanding supplement that I highly recommend incorporating into your supplementation regimen.
References:
1. Hiona, A. and C. Leeuwenburgh, The role of mitochondrial DNA mutations in aging and sarcopenia: implications for the mitochondrial vicious cycle theory of aging. Exp Gerontol, 2008. 43(1): p. 24-33.
2. Siu, P.M., E.E. Pistilli, and S.E. Alway, Age-dependent increase in oxidative stress in gastrocnemius muscle with unloading. J Appl Physiol (1985), 2008. 105(6): p. 1695-705.
3. Sohal, R.S. and R. Weindruch, Oxidative stress, caloric restriction, and aging. Science, 1996. 273(5271): p. 59-63.
4. Bhattacharya, A., et al., Biological effects of conjugated linoleic acids in health and disease. J Nutr Biochem, 2006. 17(12): p. 789-810.
5. Andreoli, M.F., et al., Effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid at high-fat levels on triacylglycerol regulation in mice. Nutrition, 2009. 25(4): p. 445-52.
6. Zangarelli, A., et al., Synergistic effects of caloric restriction with maintained protein intake on skeletal muscle performance in 21-month-old rats: a mitochondria-mediated pathway. FASEB J, 2006. 20(14): p. 2439-50.
7. Payette, H., et al., Insulin-like growth factor-1 and interleukin 6 predict sarcopenia in very old community-living men and women: the Framingham Heart Study. J Am Geriatr Soc, 2003. 51(9): p. 1237-43.
