As the world’s population continues to age, it’s more important than ever to understand the mechanisms behind aging. Nestlé is exploring science-based nutritional solutions for specific age-related health conditions, such as muscle loss and physical fatigue.
Age-related muscle decline, known as sarcopenia, contributes to lower physical performance and frailty and impacts quality of life in older populations. In two recent studies, Nestlé scientists have discovered specific mechanisms that impact muscle decline and identified specific bioactive ingredients that target these hallmarks of aging.
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation in collaboration with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique – Institut NeuroMyoGène in Lyon and other external partners, Nestlé scientists discovered a specific combination of bioactive nutrients that help muscles regenerate faster during recovery and aging.
Skeletal muscles rely on local stem cells for growth and repair, but these cells become less effective over time. The researchers screened over 50 000 natural molecules and identified that two specific vitamin B-related nutrients, Nicotinamide and Pyridoxine, can synergistically activate these cells and help muscles to regenerate faster and recover more strength.
“Aging impairs the regenerative capacity of muscles at the cellular level,” said Dr. Pascal Stuelsatz, Senior Specialist for muscle growth and recovery at Nestlé Research. “Our study identified a novel solution that can target regeneration and mitigate age-related muscle decline with nutrition.”
In a second study published in Cell Metabolism in collaboration with the University of Padova and other external partners, Nestlé scientists found that the olive polyphenol Oleuropein can boost cellular energy and muscle performance via mitochondria.
Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell and produce most of the energy our bodies need to function. The study discovered that the mitochondrial uptake of calcium declines with age and sarcopenia. It also identified through screening natural molecules present in food that Oleuropein stimulates this mechanism and reverses age-related decline. Additionally, preclinical models showed that Oleuropein improved cellular energy during aging to support muscle performance and limit fatigue.
“These discoveries highlight the power of nutrition to target cellular pathways that decline during aging and muscle wasting disorders,” said Dr Jérôme Feige, Senior Expert in musculo-skeletal health at Nestlé Research. “We can translate these insights into nutritional solutions made with a combination of macronutrients along with cellular nutrients for the innovation of novel products supporting healthy longevity.”
Nestlé is also working on other research projects to identify nutritional solutions that promote healthy aging. Earlier this year, a breakthrough discovery published in the journal Nature Metabolism identified new benefits of the naturally occurring molecule trigonelline on muscle and cellular health during aging.
Healthy longevity is an important innovation opportunity area for Nestlé. The company translates scientific discoveries into new solutions by leveraging its expertise in physiology, coupled with nutrition science and research capabilities. These cutting-edge innovations undergo a thorough assessment of safety, quality and regulatory requirements, before advancing to clinical research that ensures they deliver tangible health benefits.
Nestlé launched several products in recent years that contain bioactive nutrients to support healthy aging. For example, the company’s Solgar range of nutritional supplements features solutions to help fight cellular decline and promote cellular health. This specialized range includes innovations such as GlyNAC, a patented blend of glycine and N-acetyl cysteine to help protect cells from daily damage. In China, Nestlé launched Yiyang Active powdered beverages which have been clinically proven to enhance mobility during aging.
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