Anabolic Interventions for Aging-Associated Sarcopenia

A in humans is associated with a progressive decrease in skeletal muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) that contributes to frailty and falls. The age-associated changes in body composition result from lower levels of anabolic hormones, neuromuscular alterations, and a general decline in muscle protein turnover (1–3). The frailty of old age has emerged as an important public health problem because it impairs mobility and quality of life and increases the risk of falls and the use of health care resources (4–6). Therefore, recent years have witnessed a growing interest in the use of anabolic interventions for augmenting muscle mass and function in older men.