PLT Health Solutions has launched a new botanical ingredient formulated to support muscle health and physical function called Strengthera Muscle Maintenance + Vitality.
 
In a freshly-completed clinical study, participants who were over the age of 55 saw significant improvements in measures of muscle strength, endurance, and physical function when taken for 12 weeks.
 
The low-dose ingredient saw significant results beginning at four weeks, inlcuidng improvements in lower body and grip strength, along with endurance.
 
The proposed mechanism of action for this ingredient is that it can improve the efficiency of mitochondria, which leads to improvements in how well exercise can offer strength gains. The ingredient will join several others in the company’s Mobility Solutions portfolio, which is a range of ingredients formulated for joint, muscle, cartilage, and bone health.
 
It was important to confirm efficacy in an over-55 demographic, according to Seth Flowerman, president and CEO of PLT Health Solutions.
 
“Muscle health is important to aging well as it becomes more challenging to build and maintain muscle mass as we age. Strengthera is an exciting breakthrough as it supports strength, endurance, stability and mobility, enhancing independence, vitality and overall quality of life,” he said. “Strengthera is the latest addition to our industry-leading Mobility Solutions platform as well as an essential healthy aging ingredient.”
 
Study Details
 
In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 92 healthy men and women between the ages of 55 and 70 received either 650 mg of the ingredient or a placebo once daily for 12 weeks, in conjunction with an at-home exercise program designed for older subjects. Testing was conducted at baseline, four, eight, and 12 weeks. Key outcome measures included muscle strength (1RM leg extension, grip strength) muscle endurance (80% 1RM leg extension to failure) functional mobility (six-minute walk, 30-second sit-stand), lean mass (DXA), and muscle quality (leg strength/leg muscle mass).
 
The study also featured an analysis of biomarkers and questionnaires.
 
By the end of the study protocol, the Strengthera cohort showed a 4.2-times improvement in lower body strength, a 4.5-times greater grip strength, and a 1.5-times greater improvement in muscle endurance over improvements observed in the placebo group, respectively, PLT reported.
 
In the walking test, Strengthera subjects showed a 1.9-times greater improvement in walking capacity based on distance and speed over placebo.
 
In lean muscle mass, only the Strengthera group increased their total lean mass relative to baseline. The treatment group also saw improvements in energy and vitality, as measured through the SF-36 questionnaire.
 
“Muscle health and mobility are important for quality of life at every age, but they are especially critical as we get older. The ability to maintain strength is essential for remaining active and independent, which are key factors in good health.  Grip strength, in particular, is not only considered an accurate indicator of vitality and overall muscle strength, but also a biomarker of longevity and a strong predictor of future health,” said Jennifer Murphy, director of innovation and clinical development at PLT. “Another important differentiator of this new study is that it included women. Too often muscle ingredients focus studies on men only, but of course, we know that due to physiological differences, benefits should be illustrated in both populations.”