Sarcopenia and Muscle Loss With Age

What sarcopenia means

Sarcopenia (from Greek words for "flesh" and "loss") is defined as a decline in muscle mass, strength and function. It is often associated with older adults, but some forms can affect middle-aged people. [1] A major review describes it as a progressive, generalized skeletal muscle disorder linked to falls, functional decline, frailty and death, influenced by genetic and lifestyle factors across the life course. [2]

Sarcopenia is more likely in people with chronic diseases and may contribute to a risk of falls and fractures. [1] It is related to, but not the same as, frailty.

Common features

NIA connects sarcopenia with weakness, fatigue, lower energy and difficulty standing, walking and climbing stairs. [1] These features have many other possible causes, so this page cannot tell you whether you have it.

How it is evaluated

The European consensus on sarcopenia (EWGSOP2) is a widely used definition and diagnostic approach, published in 2019 by an expert working group. [3] EWGSOP2 focuses on low muscle strength as a key characteristic, uses low muscle quantity and quality to confirm the diagnosis, and treats poor physical performance as a sign of severe sarcopenia. [3] A clinician does this evaluation. For falls, a GP may also check for muscle weakness and review medicines. [4]

What helps: the evidence

Evidence labels: established recommendation, promising but limited, mixed, insufficient evidence.

The collagen trial included authors affiliated with a collagen research company, so read it cautiously. [9] Creatine and collagen are covered in supplements for healthy aging.

Medicines and drugs for muscle loss

The Lancet review notes that research is focused on nutritional interventions and on drugs to augment the effects of resistance exercise, and that this is an area of active study. [2] Proper evidence not found here for an approved supplement that treats sarcopenia on its own; the checked sources describe supplements as add-ons to exercise.

Safety and professional care

• Talk with a provider before starting a new exercise program if you have medical conditions. [10]
• In the Cochrane review, adverse events were poorly recorded; joint pain and muscle soreness were reported in many studies that monitored them, serious events were rare, and the authors urged caution when applying training to clinical populations. [5]
• People with severe kidney disease may need to limit protein; ask before raising protein intake. [6]
• See Natural Remedy Safety: older adults before adding supplements.

When to get help

See a health professional if weakness is new or getting worse, if you have fallen, or if you are losing weight without trying. [4] [11] Next: strength training and protein for older adults and falls and balance problems.