The Importance Of Building Skeletal Muscle As You Age
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nicole Avena

As we age, maintaining skeletal muscle mass becomes increasingly crucial for our overall health and longevity. Skeletal muscle is essential for physical strength and mobility and plays a vital role in supporting metabolic health, overall wellness, and enhancing quality of life.

Skeletal Muscle and Longevity

Research has consistently shown that muscle mass is a significant indicator of longevity. Studies have found that higher muscle mass is associated with various positive health outcomes like better cardiovascular health and improved metabolic function. Muscle mass also helps regulate glucose metabolism, which is important for maintaining balanced energy levels and overall health.

Muscles are reservoirs of amino acids that are vital for immune function, tissue repair, and the production of essential proteins. Maintaining muscle mass can also help prevent muscle loss that can lead to decreased strength and mobility.

The Role of Skeletal Muscle in Daily Function

Skeletal muscle strength and mass are crucial for daily activities, from walking and climbing stairs to carrying groceries and playing with children or grandchildren. Having strong muscles can help enhance balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of falls, which are a leading cause of injury in older adults.

Maintaining muscle mass also helps preserve metabolic rate, which naturally declines with age. A higher metabolic rate makes it easier to manage weight and maintain energy levels, contributing to a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Creatine: A Powerful Ally in Building Lean Muscle

While exercise is the most effective way to build and maintain muscle mass, dietary supplements like Smart Creatine+ can play a supportive role. Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in muscle cells, where it helps produce energy during high-intensity exercise or heavy lifting.

Here’s How Creatine Supports Skeletal Muscle Mass

• Enhanced Energy Production: Creatine helps regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier in cells. By increasing the availability of ATP, creatine enables more intense and prolonged physical activity, which can lead to greater muscle gains.
• Increased Muscle Protein Synthesis: Creatine has been shown to increase the water content in muscle cells, promoting a more favorable environment for muscle growth. It also enhances the production of proteins that help repair and build new muscle fibers.
• Improved Muscle Recovery: By reducing muscle cell damage and oxidative stress after intense exercise, creatine can help speed up recovery times, allowing for more frequent and effective workouts.
• Muscle Gains Without Exercise: Interestingly, studies have found that creatine supplementation can help increase muscle mass even without exercise. This makes it a valuable supplement for older adults who may have limitations on physical activity due to health conditions or mobility issues.
• A study published in the Journal of Gerontology showed that older adults who took creatine without engaging in resistance training still experienced an increase in muscle mass and strength. This highlights creatine’s potential to support muscle health in a broader population, including those who are unable to participate in regular exercise routines.

Expert Insight

Dr. Nicole Avena, BrainMD’s Chief Science Officer, explains, “There are many misconceptions surrounding creatine and who can benefit from taking it. Creatine, a naturally occurring compound in the body, is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and supporting neurological function. It plays a critical role in building skeletal muscle as you age, which is a key factor for longevity. Smart Creatine+ isn’t only for athletes, it’s for anyone seeking lifelong physical and mental strength.”

Incorporating Creatine into Your Routine

For those looking to build and maintain muscle mass, incorporating a high-quality creatine supplement like BrainMD’s Smart Creatine+ can be highly beneficial. Smart Creatine+ offers instantized creatine monohydrate, which is 100% soluble and highly bioavailable, ensuring maximum absorption and efficacy. This advanced formula supports cellular energy production, enhances cognitive processing, and promotes lean muscle mass, strength, and recovery, all without the bloating common with other creatine products.

Conclusion

Building and maintaining skeletal muscle is essential for healthy aging and longevity. It enhances daily function, supports metabolic health, and contributes to overall wellness. While exercise remains the cornerstone of muscle maintenance, supplements like creatine can significantly enhance muscle growth and recovery, even without exercise.

Embrace the power of Smart Creatine+ to stay strong, energized, and sharp at any age.

At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.

Meet Our Expert

Nicole Avena, PhD

Dr. Nicole Avena completed her PhD in Neuroscience and Psychology from Princeton University, followed by a postdoctoral training fellowship at The Rockefeller University in New York City. She is a research neuroscientist and expert in the fields of nutrition, diet and addiction, with a special focus on nutrition during early life and pregnancy, and women’s health. In addition to over 100 peer-reviewed scholarly publications, Dr. Avena has written several books, including What to Eat When You’re Pregnant, What to Feed Your Baby and Toddler and What to Eat When You Want to Get Pregnant.