Low B Vitamins May Be a Hidden Driver of Age-Related Muscle Loss
Graded Preliminary — narrative review of mostly mechanistic evidence, with no new human data and randomized trials still needed to test causality.
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This review suggests B vitamin status is worth discussing with a doctor if muscle strength is declining.
Muscle loss with age is usually blamed on too little protein or exercise, but B vitamins may play a role too. This review argues that low B6, folate and B12 can starve muscle cells of energy, raise inflammation, and shift signals toward muscle breakdown. Evidence for the other B vitamins is still thin. Nobody has proven yet that taking B vitamins protects muscle, so trials are needed.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.
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