As we age, our muscle mass decreases. Experts estimate that after age 50, we lose up to one percent of our muscle mass per year. British scientists have discovered a way to counteract this. Their proposed method should help preserve muscle mass.
One of the main problems facing older adults is sarcopenia. This condition causes skeletal muscle mass and function to decline, negatively impacting the ability to live a full life. According to the Journal of Nutrition, researchers from the University of East Anglia have concluded that vitamin C can help combat this.
Muscle loss, general weakness, and other symptoms of sarcopenia are consequences of the destructive effects of free radicals. Vitamin C can protect the body's cells from them.
To confirm this, the scientists cited a study involving 13,000 adults aged 42 to 82. Those who received sufficient vitamin C had greater skeletal muscle mass. Regular consumption of several fresh citrus fruits or servings of berries helps maintain adequate levels of this micronutrient, the scientists say.
They note that most people are under-consuming this valuable antioxidant. However, experts will continue to study the issue and seek further evidence to support this theory.