METHODS USING WHEY PROTEIN TO IMPROVE OR MAINTAIN MUSCLE QUALITY
A composition comprising whey protein and optionally Vitamin D and calcium can be administered to an individual to decrease fat deposition in muscle; increase muscle density; improve or maintain muscle quality; and/or treat or prevent muscle weakness. The composition can be administered to an elderly individual or an individual having a condition associated with increased fat infiltration in muscle to treat the condition, such as obesity. Preferably at least a portion of the whey protein is whey protein micelles, and a daily dose of the whey protein is at least 18 g.
1 . A method of improving or maintaining muscle quality in an elderly individual, the method comprising administering a composition comprising whey protein to the elderly individual, the composition is administered to the elderly individual in an amount that provides at least 18 g of the whey protein per day.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the whey protein comprises whey protein micelles.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is administered to the elderly individual in an amount that provides at least 20 g of the whey protein per day.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises Vitamin D and is administered to the elderly individual in an amount that provides at least 500 IU of the Vitamin D per day.
5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein at least a portion of the Vitamin D is selected from the group consisting of Vitamin D3; 1,25 Dihydroxy Vitamin D; 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D; and mixtures thereof.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises calcium.
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein at least a portion of the calcium is selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium gluconate, calcium lactate, calcium phosphate, and mixtures thereof.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the elderly individual is a mobility-limited or vitamin D deficient older adult.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition consists essentially of the whey protein, Vitamin D and calcium.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the elderly individual has sarcopenic obesity.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition increases muscle density.
12 . A method of treating or preventing muscle weakness in an elderly individual, the method comprising administering a composition comprising whey protein to the elderly individual, the composition is administered to the elderly individual in an amount that provides at least 18 g of the whey protein per day.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the whey protein comprises whey protein micelles.
14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the composition is administered to the elderly individual in an amount that provides at least 20 g of the whey protein per day.
15 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the composition comprises at least one of Vitamin D or calcium.
16 . A method of treating a condition associated with increased fat infiltration in muscle, the method comprising administering a composition comprising whey protein to an individual having the condition, the composition is administered to the individual in an amount that provides at least 18 g of the whey protein per day.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the condition is selected from the group consisting of stroke, spinal cord injury, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, overweight, and combinations thereof.
18 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the composition comprises at least one of Vitamin D or calcium.