Study: Could whey protein slowdown muscle loss in later life?
Whey protein may conjure up images of gym-goers and competitive athletes, but there is growing evidence that it could benefit many more people.
As we see aging populations around the world, attention is increasingly turning to our physical health in later life.
As we get older, it becomes more challenging to maintain and build muscle mass, and the effects of that can be devastating.
The main hazards are trips and falls, but muscle loss is also associated with comorbidity and mortality.
In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with Volac, we dig deep into the science and ask: How much can we support the health of our muscles through the things we consume?
Volac is currently working with Dr Leigh Breen from the University of Birmingham on a clinical study examining the link between dietary protein and muscle loss in older age.
Listen to the full episode to find out more about the study, why some proteins are better able to help slow muscle loss, and what the future holds for whey protein in particular.
Volac
Thanks to Volac’s 25 years of industry expertise and innovative, sustainable technology, the UK-produced Volactive® range supports health through nutrition by offering the finest whey protein isolates in the market. Meticulous research, in partnership with world-leading universities, ensures customers across the globe are provided with superior ingredients developed with proven nutritional efficacy at their core.
As pioneers of the industry, Volac specialises as the only whey protein manufacturer dedicated to Sports and Active Nutrition. As a result, in addition to producing quality ingredients perfect for Ready-to-Mix shakes, the in-house R&D team delivers unrivalled support in developing many protein-snacking formats.
Dr Elisa Glover, Nutrition Specialist, Volac International
Dr Elisa Glover is the Nutrition Specialist at Volac International. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics (University of Guelph, Canada) and a Master’s degree in Pharmacology (University of Western Ontario, Canada).
She completed her PhD at McMaster University, examining the effects of inactivity and amino acids on muscle protein metabolism. Before Volac she worked at GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare in New Product Research and Medical Affairs.
Elisa’s scientific interests include protein intake and physical activity across the lifespan, the role of protein quality, and the bioactive properties of dairy components.
Dr Leigh Breen, Professor of Metabolic Physiology, University of Birmingham
Dr Breen’s research group is based in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences (SportExR) and works under the auspices of the Medical Research Council/Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Inflammation at the University of Birmingham.
The overarching goal of his research is to understand regulatory mechanisms of the cellular regulation skeletal muscle plasticity and develop targeted exercise and nutritional (particularly protein-based) approaches to enhance skeletal muscle remodelling and physical performance in health and disease.
Dr Breen has been Principal or Co-Investigator on a number of successful project grants from research councils, charitable foundations and industry partners. He has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles and is a regular speaker at national and international conferences.
Leigh was recently awarded Fellow status with the European College of Sports Sciences.
