Eicosapentaenoic acid and branched-chain amino acids fortified complete nutrition drink improved muscle strength in older individuals with inadequate protein intake
1
Issued Date
2023-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
2296861X
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85165110417
Journal Title
Frontiers in Nutrition
Volume
10
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Frontiers in Nutrition Vol.10 (2023)
Suggested Citation
Khoonin W., Shantavasinkul P.C., Santivarangkna C., Praengam K., Trachootham D. Eicosapentaenoic acid and branched-chain amino acids fortified complete nutrition drink improved muscle strength in older individuals with inadequate protein intake. Frontiers in Nutrition Vol.10 (2023). doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1164469 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/88094
Title
Eicosapentaenoic acid and branched-chain amino acids fortified complete nutrition drink improved muscle strength in older individuals with inadequate protein intake
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background: Elevated inflammation and negative nutritional balance contribute to sarcopenia, a progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. This study investigated the effect of energy supplementation and the combination of anti-inflammatory factor (eicosapentaenoic acid; EPA) and muscle-synthesis promotor (branched-chain amino acids; BCAA) on body composition, muscle, and inflammatory biomarkers in elderly with inadequate protein intake. Methods: A randomized blinded placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 84 elderly with inadequate protein intake. The participants were randomly assigned into four groups receiving a complete nutrition drink; (1) control formula, (2) fortified with 2.2 g EPA, (3) with 2.2 g EPA and 5 g BCAA (2:1:1 of Leu: Ile: Val), and (4) with 2.2 g EPA plus 5g BCAA (4:1:1 of Leu: Ile: Val). Each subject consumed two sachets of the drink to gain 500 kcal/day and performed arm muscle exercises for 3 weeks. Body compositions and handgrip strength were measured using BIA and a dynamometer, respectively. Plasma EPA and BCAA levels were determined using LC-MS/MS to ensure compliance. Muscle protein biomarkers including histidine, β-alanine, and carnosine were measured using LC-MS/MS. Serum inflammatory (IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) were measured by using ELISA. Results: No symptoms and signs of adverse events were observed. The right arm muscle mass and handgrip strength were significantly increased after consuming a complete nutrition drink fortified with EPA + BCAA 2:1:1 and 4:1:1 of Leu: Ile: Val (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively. Consistently, consuming such combinatory formula non-significantly elevated carnosine with reduced histidine, and increased IL-10 with decreased IL-6. All relevant intervention groups showed a significant increase in plasma levels of BCAA and EPA. Conclusion: Consuming a complete nutrition drink fortified with 2.2g EPA and 5g BCAA 2:1:1 or 4:1:1 of Leu: Ile: Val for 3 weeks may increase right arm muscle mass and strength in elderly with inadequate protein intake. The tendency of increased dipeptide (carnosine)/decreased free amino acid (histidine) suggests a shift toward muscle protein synthesis. The trend of decreased inflammatory/increased anti-inflammatory cytokines suggests an anti-inflammatory effect. Future long-term studies are warranted to confirm the combinatory effect of BCAA and EPA in the prevention of sarcopenia. Clinical trial registration: Thailand Clinical Trial Registry No. TCTR20230116005.