How to Support Muscle Function with Age: Top Evidence-Based Supplements

Data suggest certain supplements, such as L-carnitine, vitamin D, and essential minerals, support muscle function and physical performance in adults of advanced age.

Researchers from University College London review data supporting that supplements, like vitamin D, L-carnitine, and essential minerals, support muscle function during aging.

Skin &amp; Muscle

Participants: Adults over the age of 60
Dosage: 3,750 mg of niacin twice daily (after gradual dose increase), 150 mg of dihydroberberine twice daily, 50 mg of taxifolin (with 500 mg of vitamin C and 15 mg of zinc) twice daily, 50 mg of tocotrienols twice daily

A combination of supplements, including the NAD+ precursor nicotinic acid, improves cholesterol, allowing some participants to cease taking statins.  

Study conducted by Professor Emeritus Joseph Keenan, MD, at the University of Minnesota. 

Nicotinic Acid

Participants: Healthy male adults between the ages of 18 and 50 
Dosage: 714 mg/day of nicotinamide and 19 mg/day of pyridoxine for nine days

In a randomized human trial, combining nicotinamide with vitamin B6 increases stem cell activation and muscle-growth capacity in response to exercise. 

Model: Male Sprague-Dawley rats 
Dosage: 400 mg/kg of magnesium L-theanine and 600 mg/kg of nicotinamide riboside administered orally for 40 days

Scientists find that treating rats with magnesium L-theanine and nicotinamide riboside (NR) counteracts stress-induced metabolic, gut, and liver aging. 

Study conducted by researchers from Firat University in Turkey (image: turkeyuniversity.org)

α-Lipoic Acid: Efficacy, Safety, and Dosage

α-lipoic acid is an antioxidant naturally produced by the body, which is also available as a supplement, and human trials indicate that it has neuroprotective and male fertility-enhancing effects.

(α-lipoic acid’s molecular structure | Neuroneeds)

α-lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant, which human trials suggest has neuroprotective and male fertility-enhancing properties.

Search Result: Vitamin D

How to Support Muscle Function with Age: Top Evidence-Based Supplements

NAD+ Boosting Supplement Challenges Cholesterol-Lowering Statins in Anti-Aging Research

NAD+ Booster and Vitamin B6 Activate Stem Cells to Counter Muscle Shrinkage, New Studies Show

New Research: Magnesium, L-Theanine, NAD+ Combo Counters Stress Aging

An Overview of α-Lipoic Acid: Efficacy, Safety, and Dosage