Use of whey protein in the treatment of Sarcopenia in people with inflammatory bowel disease

Sarcopenia is a medical condition characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and vitality. While the exact causes are still unknown, this is a disease that needs attention and care. 

In addition, sarcopenia is also present in many cases where the patient has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

However, even though these are very serious complications (especially when combined) there are several habits that, if adopted, can help combat the symptoms. 

Today we will talk about one of these habits, in this case, the consumption of whey protein, a supplement that is gaining more and more recognition for its support to people with sarcopenia and IBD (combined or not). 

Are you interested in the subject? Read on and check it out! 

What is Sarcopenia?

First of all, it is interesting to go into the aspects of Sarcopenia and Inflammatory Bowel Disease in more depth. However, if you already know about these complications, you can skip straight to the topic: How can Whey Protein help reduce Sarcopenia in IBD patients?

Sarcopenia is a progressive medical condition that affects the muscle structure, causing, as already mentioned, the loss of strength, mobility, and vitality. 

Unlike what many people think, although sarcopenia is more common among the elderly, it can affect individuals of any age group, and its symptoms include: 

• Weakening of muscles;
• Extreme fatigue
• Lack of balance;
• Constant falls
• Difficulty performing simple tasks: such as climbing stairs or changing light bulbs. 

Another important point about this medical complication is that, in some of the simplest cases, it is the result of prolonged absence of exercise and physical activity, and can be remedied by adopting a more active and healthy lifestyle.

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? 

Inflammatory bowel disease, also known as IBD, is a group of diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) that cause inflammation in the digestive tract and may also permanently or temporarily affect one or more organs.

Common symptoms of IBD are diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, anemia, and fever.

In addition, it is worth noting that the exact cause of the origin of IBD is not yet known. However, the immune system is believed to play an important role in its development. 

Finally, some risk factors may also increase the chance of developing IBD, among which are the use of certain medications, excessive alcohol intake, stress, and genetic factors.

How is Sarcopenia related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Even though the correlation between IBD and sarcopenia is not fully understood, some research on the subject points out that people with IBD have an increased risk of developing sarcopenia.

According to recent studies that MilkPoint itself published in its own blog, via Dairy Reporter, it is pointed out that sarcopenia occurs in at least 30% of IBD patients. 

Another important factor in the relationship between these diseases is that by reducing appetite and food intake, which is necessary for healthy muscle metabolism, IBD can contribute to the evolution of severe sarcopenia, destroying muscle fibers even faster.

How can Whey Protein help reduce Sarcopenia in IBD patients?

Whey protein has been used for some time to treat sarcopenia, but recent studies have shown that it can help not only people with sarcopenia, but also those with inflammatory bowel disease.  

What happens is that, because whey protein is rich in amino acids and has some antioxidant properties that help prevent damage to muscle tissue, it is a great ally in cases where there is progressive loss of muscle mass. 

In addition, the daily intake of whey protein also improves immune function, thus supporting the prevention and treatment of the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia is a serious disease that affects many people of many different ages. 

Unfortunately, when combined with other diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, it can be even more aggressive, causing significant loss of muscle mass, strength, vitality, and overall quality of life. 

However, some recent studies have shown that both diseases can be treated with whey protein supplementation!

If you want to see more details about the research, go to: milkpoint. 

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