Nestlé recently announced the publication of two clinical studies supporting the use of a nicotinamine-pyridoxine combination formula and an olive polyphenol called oleuropein as potentially beneficial in people with sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia, an age-related decline in muscle mass, contributes to lower physical performance, frailty, and reduced quality of life. In two recent studies, the researchers discovered specific mechanisms that impact muscle decline, as well as bioactive ingredients that target these mechanisms.

In the first study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Nestlé scientists partnered with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique – Institut NeuroMyoGéne in Lyon and other external partners. They discovered a specific combination of nicotinamide and pyridoxine which appeared to help muscle cells recover faster during recovery and aging by using an in vitro model. Specifically, this combination appeared to target and activate muscle stem cells.

Skeletal muscles rely on local stem cells for growth and repair, but these cells become less effective over time, the researchers noted. After screening for over 50,000 natural molecules, they identified nicotinamide and pyridoxine, two vitamin B-related nutrients, had a synergistic effect which activated muscle stem cells.

“Aging impairs the regenerative capacity of muscles at the cellular level,” said Pascal Stuelsatz, PhD, senior specialist for muscle growth and recovery at Nestlé Research. “Our study identified a novel solution that can target regeneration and mitigate age-related muscle decline with nutrition.”

In a second study published in Cell Metabolism, in collaboration with the University of Padova and other external partners, Nestlé scientists found that the olive polyphenol Oleuropein can boost cellular energy and muscle performance via changes to the mitochondria, according to an in vivo model.

Mitochondria produce most of the energy that the body needs to function. The study discovered that, with age and sarcopenia, mitochondrial uptake of calcium declines. After screening natural molecules, they discovered that oleuropein stimulates calcium uptake and appears to reverse this age-related decline. Animal models also showed that oleuropein may improve markers of cellular energy during aging to support muscle performance and reduce fatigue.

“These discoveries highlight the power of nutrition to target cellular pathways that decline during aging and muscle wasting disorders,” said Jérôme Feige, PhD, senior expert in musculoskeletal health at Nestlé Research. “We can translate these insights into nutritional solutions made with a combination of macronutrients along with cellular nutrients for the innovation of novel products supporting healthy longevity.”

Nestlé also supported an in vitro study published earlier this year which found that the bioactive molecule trigonelline appeared to have beneficial effects on muscle aging and cellular health by functioning as a precursor to NAD+.

“Healthy longevity is an important innovation opportunity area for Nestlé,” the company stated. “The company translates scientific discoveries into new solutions by leveraging its expertise in physiology, coupled with nutrition science and research capabilities. These cutting-edge innovations undergo a thorough assessment of safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, before advancing to clinical research that ensures they deliver tangible health benefits.”