Muscle Supplement

A Nutritional Supplement to Fight Muscle Atrophy

New nutritional supplements may help to lessen muscle atrophy for astronauts during space travel. Dr. Wolfe of University of Texas, had subjects stay in bed for 28 days to create similar body conditions felt by astronauts during space travel. These subjects had similar symptoms of muscle atrophy like astronauts have which is due to the lack of muscular activity. Atrophy primary occurs in the legs. While muscles are inactive, they do not produce new proteins. The supplements given are made of amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins, these supplements increase protein synthesis. The supplements were given 3 times a day and showed to maintain protein synthesis and the body mass. Stable isotope analysis was used to analyze the protein synthesis and breakdown rates of the subjects. These new supplements can also help the elderly and patients in the medical field who are bed ridden. The new supplements are needed for human travel to Mars since astronauts will be in space for a very long period during their trip.