Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
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Study to investigate age-related muscle loss seeks participants
Researchers at Leeds Beckett University are recruiting volunteers to take part in a study to investigate the benefits of food supplements to reduce muscle loss through ageing.
The team, led by Dr Theocharis Ispoglou, a Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett, are looking for healthy male and female volunteers of 60-80 years of age to take part in the research project that involves trialling specific dietary supplements containing a group of nutrients called amino acids. These nutrients are the building blocks of body proteins such as muscle and can be obtained by eating foods containing protein.
Dr Ispoglou said: “Loss of muscle and strength is a natural part of ageing and has a number of health consequences. These include osteoporosis and a greater risk of falls. These risks increase greatly at age 80 years and over. However, evidence from previous research suggests that through taking a protein supplement the loss of muscle with ageing can be reduced.
“The purpose of our study is to understand what the preferences are for people aged between 60 and 80 when taking nutritional supplements in different forms, and to see how different supplements affect their appetite. Through finding this out we hope to ensure beneficial supplements can be designed in a form people will like and can be taken without limiting the nutrients that would normally be consumed in meals.”
The first stage of the study is complete and the team is now looking for participants for the second and third stages which will involve three visits to Leeds Beckett for assessments which will take either one or two hours per visit. Marks and Spencer gift vouchers will be offered for completing each stage and participants can take part in just one of both stages.
Those interested in taking part in the study should contact Dr Theocharis Ispoglou (T.Ispoglou@leedsbeckett.ac.uk) or Research Assistant Matthew Lees (M.Lees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk ).