In the news: Vitamin C For Age-related Muscle Loss? Multis & Honey for Cold & Flu Season

Vitamin C May Help Maintain Muscle Mass

One of the challenges of growing older is a loss of muscle mass and strength. But according to a newly published study, higher intakes of vitamin C may help work against that trend, likely by protecting muscle cells from free radical damage. Vitamin C is also required for making collagen, a component of connective tissue and muscle, and for producing carnitine found in skeletal muscles that use fatty acids a source of fuel.

In the new study(1), researchers examined data from more than 13,000 participants of an earlier study, looking at their dietary intake of vitamin C, blood levels of the vitamin, and measures of skeletal muscle mass.

After taking into account other factors that could affect the results, they found that those consuming the highest amount of vitamin C or with the highest blood levels had the greatest skeletal muscle mass. These associations applied to those over and under 65 years.

They also observed that about 60% of men and about half the women were not meeting recommended intake levels of the vitamin. In addition to supplemental vitamin C, good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, red and green peppers, kiwi, strawberries, Brussels sprouts and cantaloupe.

According to the study’s authors, their findings suggest that “getting sufficient dietary vitamin C may be useful for reducing age-related muscle loss.”

‘Multi’ Use May Lead to Less Severe Illness

A small but intriguing study(2) by researchers at Oregon State University, suggests that taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement (multi) may result in upper respiratory illness symptoms that are less severe and resolve more quickly in older adults.

Age-related decline in the immune system is common, and many vitamins and minerals play a role in immune function. Since about 35% of older adults in the US are deficient in one or more micronutrients – especially immune-bolstering vitamins C, D and zinc, researchers at Oregon State University examined whether healthy people would benefit from taking a multi. They hypothesized that supplementation would improve measures of immune function and status.

Forty-two adults aged 55-75 were assigned to a multi or placebo for 12 weeks, and immune indicators were measured. Participants took a brief daily survey (adapted from the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey) to record any illness symptoms and rate symptom severity.

While the immune indicators were not altered in the multi group (none reached statistical significance), blood levels of vitamin C and zinc improved. In turn, these improvements were associated with a decline in illness. Those taking the multi averaged 3 days of illness vs. more than 6 days for the placebo group. Illness symptoms were significantly less severe in the multi group as well. The authors call for larger studies specifically designed to measure clinical outcomes.

Honey Quells Coughs and URTI Symptoms

Studies have reported that honey can calm upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) related coughing, especially in children. But a new review(3) of 14 studies asked whether honey could benefit other URTI symptoms, and work for adults as well as kids.

Bottom line, honey was most helpful for cough – less coughing and less severe coughing. But it also was better than ‘usual care’ for combined URTI symptoms. The authors note that while the methods of usual care varied among the studies, they were all “similarly ineffective.” They also point out that using honey might contribute to slowing antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are over-prescribed for cold and flu even though they don’t work for viral infections.

References

1. Lewis LN, et al. Lower Dietary and Circulating Vitamin C in Middle- and Older-Aged Men and Women Are Associated with Lower Estimated Skeletal Muscle Mass. J Nutrition. Epub ahead of print Aug. 27, 2020.
2. Fantacone ML, et al. The effect of a multivitamin and mineral supplementation on immune function in healthy older adults: A Double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Nutrients. 12, 2447, 2020.
3. Abuelgasim H, et al. Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Evid Based Med. Epub Aug 18, 2020.