Partnership Uncovers New Mechanisms for Combating Sarcopenia Nestlé-led Study Links Trigonelline to Improved Muscle Health . Credit: scitechdaily.com

A team of researchers led by Nestlé Research in Switzerland and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) has made a groundbreaking discovery linking the natural molecule trigonelline, found in coffee, fenugreek, and the human body, to improved muscle health and function.

Through a partnership with the University of Southampton, University of Melbourne, University of Tehran, University of South Alabama, University of Toyama, and University of Copenhagen, the team has built upon a previous study to uncover new mechanisms of sarcopenia, a condition where aging causes a gradual weakening of muscles, leading to loss of muscle mass and strength, and decreased physical independence.

One of the main issues with sarcopenia is the decline of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) during aging, which affects the activity of mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of cells. The team found that trigonelline levels were lower in older adults with sarcopenia, and that providing this molecule in pre-clinical models resulted in increased NAD+ levels, improved mitochondrial activity, and maintained muscle function.

NAD+ levels can be boosted through various dietary sources, such as the essential amino acid L-tryptophan and vitamin B3 forms like nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, nicotinamide riboside, and nicotinamide mononucleotide.

Assistant Professor Vincenzo Sorrentino from NUS Medicine's Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme stated, "Our findings expand the current understanding of NAD+ metabolism by identifying trigonelline as a novel NAD+ precursor. This opens up the potential for interventions using NAD+-producing vitamins to promote healthy aging and combat age-related diseases."

Furthermore, the team emphasizes the importance of nutrition and physical activity in maintaining healthy muscles during aging. Jerome Feige, Head of the Physical Health department at Nestlé Research, expressed the team's excitement about the discovery of a natural molecule that can improve cellular metabolism and muscle health during aging, with promising implications for future research and application.

David Lamy
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