Lean Body Mass (LBM) Loss
The gradual loss of lean body mass, specifically muscle mass, over time is a natural process. However, as individuals age, external and biological factors can exacerbate lean body mass loss, leading to sarcopenia.1-7
LOSS OF MUSCLE MASS OVER TIME8-11
Lean body mass – specifically in skeletal muscle – serves as the principal reservoir for amino acids when the protein needs of the body are not met by dietary intake alone.12 In times of metabolic stress, aging, or chronic disease, muscle is broken down, leading to LBM loss.12
DRIVERS OF LEAN BODY MASS LOSS13,14
COMPLICATIONS15-19
- Increased susceptibility to illness and infection
- Increased risk of falls and fractures
- Loss of physical strength and energy
- Loss of independence
These are just a few of the many negative effects of lean body mass loss resulting from sarcopenia.
1Grimby G, et al. Acta Physiol Scand. 1982;115:125-134.
2Baier S, et al. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2009;33(1):71-82.
3Flakoll P, et al. Nutrition. 2004;20(5):445-451.
4Vandewoude MFJ, et al. Malnutrition-Sarcopenia Syndrome: is this the future of nutrition screening and assessment for older adults. J Aging Res. 2012;2012:651570. Epub 2013 Sep 13.
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8Baier S, et al. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2009;33(1):71-82.
9Flakoll P, et al. Nutrition. 2004;20(5):445-451.
10Grimby G, et al. Acta Physiol Scand. 1982;115(1):125-134.
11Janssen I, et al. J Appl Physiol. 2000;89(1):81-88.
12Wolfe RR. The underappreciated role of muscle in health and diease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;84(3):475-482.
13Demling RH. ePlasty. 2009;9:65-94.
14van Bokhorst-de van der Schueren MA. Clin Nutr. 2013;32:1007-1011.
15Stratton RJ, et al. Br J Nutr. 2004;92:799-808.
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17Vetta F, et al. Clin Nutr. 1999;18:259-267.
18Engelen MP, et al. Eur Respir J. 1994;7:1793-1797.
19Nixon DW, et al. Am J Med. 1980;68:683-690.