Trigonelline, a compound in coffee, may limit age-related muscle decline.
- Trigonelline, a compound found in coffee, may slow muscle decline.
- It increases levels of NAD, a co-enzyme that declines with age.
- Tests on human cells, mice and worms have shown the potential of this compound, but further studies will be necessary.
As we age, our muscles decline and we are more likely to fall or get injured. But a natural compound could perhaps slow this phenomenon. In a study published in Nature Metabolisma team of researchers from the National University of Singapore demonstrates that trigonelline, a compound found particularly in coffee, is associated with better muscle health.
What are the links between muscle decline and coffee?
Trigonelline is found in plant-based foods: in addition to coffee, it is found in fenugreek seeds or peas. In their work, the scientists noticed that trigonelline levels in the blood were lower in older people with less vigorous muscles and slower walking speed. They carried out various experiments on human muscle cells, mice and worms to decipher the phenomenon.
This allowed them to discover that trigonelline acts as a precursor of NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme whose levels decrease with age. It is essential for certain fundamental chemical reactions in life: it is particularly necessary for mitochondria cells to function. However, muscle cells also contain mitochondria. “Thus, age-related declines in NAD+ are thought to be a key driver of mitochondrial dysfunction and muscle deterioration over time.explain the researchers in a communicated.
Trigonelline: can it reverse muscle aging?
In their study, the scientists tested the effects of NAD+ treatment on muscle decline. In tests on human cells and mice, they found that it increased NAD+ levels and improved markers of mitochondrial function in aged muscle cells. “Giving trigonelline to aged mice for 12 weeks increased their grip strength and protected them against muscle fatigue.”, they observe. In another experiment on worms, the compound extended the animals’ lifespans and improved their muscle capabilities.
Muscles: future treatments based on trigonelline?
While these results are encouraging, scientists remain cautious. They point out that age-related muscle decline is a complex phenomenon and that “nutrition alone probably can’t completely reverse it.”. “Trigonelline could be an important piece of the puzzle, but older adults will still need enough protein, vitamin D, omega-3 and exercise to fully combat muscle loss.”, they continue. So, it is not necessary to triple your coffee consumption to hope to stay in shape longer. Especially since coffee abuse can also have harmful effects.
