Understand how amino acids can be allies to combat muscle loss in old age

São Paulo, November 2024 – As longevity increases, preserving quality of life and well-being in old age becomes increasingly important. One of the challenges faced with aging is sarcopenia—the progressive loss of muscle mass, which compromises strength and mobility, making daily tasks difficult and increasing the risk of falls and fractures.

Therefore, Ajinomoto do Brasil, a leading producer of amino acids, highlights how adequate nutrition, combined with an exercise routine, can play a fundamental role in combating sarcopenia. In this context, amino acids emerge as essential elements for muscle preservation and strengthening.

Amino Acids: The Building Block of Muscle Protein

Foods rich in high-quality proteins, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, are natural sources of the nine essential amino acids, including the branched-chain amino acids known as BCAAs (valine, leucine, and isoleucine). Regular consumption of these foods can help prevent sarcopenia and help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life.

A study conducted with older adults over 60 years of age, over a period of two weeks or more, demonstrated that BCAA-rich supplements had beneficial effects on handgrip strength (hand and forearm muscle strength) and muscle mass, compared to placebo.

Leucine, a branched-chain amino acid, in particular, has been extensively studied for its effectiveness in promoting muscle protein synthesis. According to research, administering an essential amino acid formula rich in leucine can reverse the progressive loss of muscle mass in older adults, resulting in a significant increase in strength and improved mobility.

For Tatiana Gargalaka, Marketing Manager for the Bio & Fine Chemicals division of Ajinomoto do Brasil, with increasing longevity, it is essential that the elderly population adopt strategies that help maintain their health and independence. “Essential amino acids, especially leucine, have proven highly effective in preserving muscle mass in the elderly, helping to maintain their independence,” says the executive.

Sustainable Development Goals

Ajinomoto do Brasil develops projects and actions aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), defined by the United Nations (UN), which aim to achieve a more equitable and sustainable world by 2030. Click here to learn more about these projects.

The dissemination of this material directly contributes to the following SDGs:

About Ajinomoto do Brasil

Present in Brazil since 1956, Ajinomoto do Brasil is a leader in amino acids and widely known for its retail products, such as SAZÓN® Seasoning, MID® Soft Drinks, VONO® Soups, and AJI-NO-MOTO® itself, in addition to operating in the food service segment (eating out). The company offers high-quality products for both consumers and inputs for the food, cosmetics, sports, pharmaceutical, animal nutrition, and agribusiness industries. Its purpose is to contribute to the well-being of society, people, and the planet by utilizing its expertise in “AminoScience,” the science of amino acids, from production to application, through a sustainable food system. To this end, it works with products developed using Biociclo—a circular, sustainable production process—with a lower environmental impact. With four factories in the interior of São Paulo and headquarters in the capital, it employs approximately 3,000 people and serves domestic and international markets. Globally, the Ajinomoto Group employs over 34,000 people, has 116 factories, and sells products in over 130 countries. In 2023, it had global revenue of US$9.9 billion and domestic revenue of R$3.3 billion. For more information, visit www.ajinomoto.com.br.

PRESS INFORMATION | AJINOMOTO DO BRASIL
FSB Comunicação
ajinomoto@fsb.com.br