A role for nutritional intervention in addressing the aging neuromuscular junction

• Published in: Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 53; pp. 1 - 14
• Main Authors: Kougias, Daniel G., Das, Tapas, Perez, Alejandro Barranco, Pereira, Suzette L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.05.2018
• Subjects: Aging; Creatine - pharmacology; Creatine - therapeutic use; Diet; Dietary Proteins - pharmacology; Dietary Proteins - therapeutic use; Dietary supplement; Dietary Supplements; Dynapenia; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - pharmacology; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - therapeutic use; Humans; Motor function; Motor unit; Muscle, Skeletal - drug effects; Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology; Neuromuscular Junction - drug effects; Neuromuscular Junction - physiopathology; Phospholipids - pharmacology; Phospholipids - therapeutic use; Sarcopenia; Sarcopenia - physiopathology; Sarcopenia - prevention & control; Valerates - pharmacology; Valerates - therapeutic use; Vitamin D - pharmacology; Vitamin D - therapeutic use; Dynapenia; Dietary supplement; PUFA; VDR; MU; IGF-1; NMJ; 1,25(OH)2D; Motor unit; EAAs; Sarcopenia; MPS; 1α-OHase; 25-OHD; Diet; AChRs; WM; EPA; mTOR; MFGM; NBAL; Motor function; DHA; HMB
• ISSN: 0271-5317; 1879-0739
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2018.02.006

The purpose of this review is to discuss the structural and physiological changes that underlie age-related neuromuscular dysfunction and to summarize current evidence on the potential role of nutritional interventions on neuromuscular dysfunction-associated pathways. Age-related neuromuscular deficits are known to coincide with distinct changes in the central and peripheral nervous system, in the neuromuscular system, and systemically. Although many features contribute to the age-related decline in neuromuscular function, a comprehensive understanding of their integration and temporal relationship is needed. Nonetheless, many nutrients and ingredients show promise in modulating neuromuscular output by counteracting the age-related changes that coincide with neuromuscular dysfunction. In particular, dietary supplements, such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, creatine, and dietary phospholipids, demonstrate potential in ameliorating age-related neuromuscular dysfunction. However, current evidence seldom directly assesses neuromuscular outcomes and is not always in the context of aging. Additional clinical research studies are needed to confirm the benefits of dietary supplements on neuromuscular function, as well as to define the appropriate population, dosage, and duration for intervention.