Building strength, endurance, and mobility using an astaxanthin formulation with functional training in elderly

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Exercise training in the elderly faces challenges in improving muscle strength and endurance.
• Dietary supplements with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties show potential for enhancing muscle adaptation.
• A specific formulation (AX) combining astaxanthin, tocotrienol, and zinc was investigated for its effects on elderly muscle health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a natural product formulation (AX) combined with exercise in improving muscle adaptation in the elderly.
• To assess the impact of AX supplementation on muscle strength, size, endurance, and mobility in older adults.
• To determine if AX enhances the benefits of exercise training in elderly individuals.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with elderly subjects aged 65-82 years.
• Participants received a daily oral dose of AX or a placebo for 4 months, followed by 3 months of interval walking exercise.
• Muscle strength (maximal voluntary force, MVC) and muscle size (cross-sectional area, CSA) were measured using functional tests and MRI.

Main Results:

• Exercise training alone increased endurance (exercise time >50%) and walking distance (>8%) in both AX and placebo groups.
• The AX formulation significantly increased MVC by 14.4%, CSA by 2.7%, and specific force by 11.6% (P<0.05).
• No significant changes in MVC, CSA, or specific force were observed in the placebo group.

Conclusions:

• The AX formulation, when combined with exercise, significantly improved muscle strength and size in healthy elderly individuals.
• This supplementation strategy enhanced the positive effects of exercise on endurance and walking distance.
• The AX formulation offers a unique approach to improving muscle strength, endurance, and mobility in the elderly population.