Targeting the Gut Microbiota to Improve Dietary Protein Efficacy to Mitigate Sarcopenia

Abstract

Sarcopenia is characterised by the presence of diminished skeletal muscle mass and strength. It is relatively common in older adults as ageing is associated with anabolic resistance (a blunted muscle protein synthesis response to dietary protein consumption and resistance exercise). Therefore, interventions to counteract anabolic resistance may benefit sarcopenia prevention and are of utmost importance in the present ageing population. There is growing speculation that the gut microbiota may contribute to sarcopenia, as ageing is also associated with [1) dysbiosis, whereby the gut microbiota becomes less diverse, lacking in healthy butyrate-producing microorganisms and higher in pathogenic bacteria, and [2) loss of epithelial tight junction integrity in the lining of the gut, leading to increased gut permeability and higher metabolic endotoxemia. Animal data suggest that both elements may impact muscle physiology, but human data corroborating the causality of the association between gut microbiota and muscle mass and strength are lacking. Mechanisms wherein the gut microbiota may alter anabolic resistance include an attenuation of gut-derived low-grade inflammation and/or the increased digestibility of protein-containing foods and consequent higher aminoacidemia, both in favour of muscle protein synthesis. This review focuses on the putative links between the gut microbiota and skeletal muscle in the context of sarcopenia. We also address the issue of plant protein digestibility because plant proteins are increasingly important from an environmental sustainability perspective, yet they are less efficient at stimulating muscle protein synthesis than animal proteins.

Low Protein Diet Improves Meat Quality and Modulates the Composition of Gut Microbiota in Finishing Pigs

“…In recent years, the gut microbiota has been recognized as an important factor contributing to the regulation of skeletal muscle mass and function ( 51 ) as well the fat deposition ( 52 ). Interestingly, targeting gut microbiota facilitates the dietary protein efficacy to prevent the diminished skeletal muscle mass and strength during aging ( 53 ). The Spearman correlation analysis confirmed that regulation of gut microbiota composition by LP diets correlated with changes in backfat thickness, meat color, and muscle density in this study.…”

Rice bran protein oxidation induced by rancidity alters the gut microbiota and intestinal permeability in mice

“…Dietary protein is a vital nutrient that can sustain body growth and exhibits health benefits, including body weight loss, muscle mass synthesis, and bone density promotion. 1,2 Once ingested, protein is decomposed into amino acids, dipeptides, or tripeptides as fuel for epithelial cells in the small intestine. 3 Subsequently, undigested protein and peptides enter the colon, where the gut microbiota plays a significant role in protein fermentation.…”

Exercise–microbiota interactions in aging‐related sarcopenia

“…Animal experimentations indicate a bidirectional communication between gut and skeletal muscle and point out that gut microbiota is critical for optimal muscle function 34,35 . In fact, the presence of an intact gut microbiome is necessary for normal muscle adaptations to exercise 36 and to promote adequate dietary protein digestion and amino acid absorption, a critical processes to counteract sarcopenia‐associated muscle protein wasting 37,38 …”

“… 34 , 35 In fact, the presence of an intact gut microbiome is necessary for normal muscle adaptations to exercise 36 and to promote adequate dietary protein digestion and amino acid absorption, a critical processes to counteract sarcopenia‐associated muscle protein wasting. 37 , 38 …”