The impact of exercise and nutrition on the regulation of skeletal muscle mass

Abstract

The maintenance of skeletal muscle mass and strength throughout life is a key determinant of human health and well-being. There is a gradual loss of both skeletal muscle mass and strength with ageing (a process termed sarcopenia) that increases the risk of functional dependence, morbidity and mortality. Understanding the factors that regulate the size of human muscle mass, particularly during the later years of life, has therefore become an area of intense scientific inquiry. The amount of muscle mass is determined by coordinated changes in muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and muscle protein breakdown (MPB). In this review, we assess both classical and contemporary work that has examined how resistance exercise and nutrition impact on MPS and MPB. Special consideration is given to the role of different sources of dietary protein (food vs. supplements) and non-protein nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids in regulating MPS. We also critically evaluate recent studies that have employed novel 'omic' technologies such as dynamic protein profiling to probe for changes in rates of MPS and MPB at the individual protein level following exercise. Finally, we provide suggestions for future research that we hope will yield important information for the development of exercise and nutritional strategies to counteract muscle loss in a variety of clinical settings.

The Role of AMPK in the Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Size, Hypertrophy, and Regeneration

“…Skeletal muscle growth, in essence, occurs when the rate of protein anabolism exceeds the rate of protein catabolism. Atrophy results when protein catabolism exceeds anabolism [ 44 ]. AMPK is known to regulate both processes.…”

Nutrition Strategies for Triathlon

“…Meanwhile, a goal of 0.4-0.5 g/kg might be required in scenarios of energy deficit/weight loss in which rates of muscle protein synthesis are suppressed [18] or in the case of mixed meals with slower protein digestion/absorption kinetics [18,29]. Overall daily targets of 1.3-1.7 g/kg/d are likely to meet the physique and adaptation goals of weight-stable triathletes.…”

Obesidade osteosarcopênica sob o olhar da nutrição funcional

“…Tessir et al 32 demonstraram que uma ingestão inadequada de proteína, ômega 3 e vitamina D pode promover sarcopenia, com redução da massa muscular, da força muscular ou da performance física, além de diminuir mobilidade e aumentar mortalidade ou morbidade. Além disso, outro estudo recente avaliou o impacto da nutrição e do exercício na massa muscular esquelética e demonstrou que proteína, aminoácidos essenciais, vitamina D e ômega 3 atuam no processo de contração muscular, produção de energia e estímulo mitocondrial, o que melhora a utilização de gordura pelo músculo como substrato energético 33 .…”