ADVANCES IN SARCOPENIA TREATMENT FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE

Sarcopenia is a common, costly condition linked to falls, fractures, disability, and death. Initially defined in 1989 as age-related muscle loss, sarcopenia is now recognized as a progressive disorder involving declines in muscle strength, mass, and function, influenced by inactivity, malnutrition, chronic disease, and hormonal changes. Despite its prevalence—affecting 10–27% of people over 60—diagnosis and treatment remain limited due to the lack of consensus. Current research highlights cellular aging, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and anabolic resistance as key mechanisms. Exercise is the cornerstone of treatment. Resistance training improves strength and mass, while aerobic and high-intensity interval training enhance endurance and metabolic health. Combined exercise regimens yield better outcomes than single modalities. Personalized exercise programs considering age and health status are essential. Nutrition also plays a critical role. Adequate protein intake (1.0–1.5 g/kg/ day), leucine supplementation, and balanced energy intake support muscle maintenance. Mediterranean-style diets are encouraged, while excessive protein or restrictive diets are discouraged. Supplements like Omega-3, probiotics, creatine, and vitamin D show promise, but results are mixed. Pharmacological treatments are under investigation, including hormonal therapies, selective androgen receptor modulators, myostatin inhibitors, and agents targeting the renin-angiotensin system. However, side effects and insufficient evidence limit their use. Stem cell therapies and ghrelin analogs offer future possibilities. Ultimately, early intervention with exercise, proper nutrition, and a holistic lifestyle approach remains the most effective strategy against sarcopenia. Keywords: Sarcopenia; Therapeutics; Exercise; Proteins.