Sydney: A clinical trial by researchers at Deakin University’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) in Melbourne, Australia, found that a daily serving of peanut butter significantly boosted muscle power in older adults. The findings were recently published in the international peer-reviewed Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle (JCSM).
The six-month study, known as the Capacity of Older Individuals after Nut Supplementation (COINS), was led by Dr. Sze-Yen Tan, associate professor and nutrition researcher, at Deakin University’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition.
It involved 120 adults, ages 66 to 89, who were living independently in their community but were at risk for falls, said the study in Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle.
Half of the participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group to eat 43 grams daily of a commercially available natural peanut butter, while the others continued their usual lifestyle, diet and exercise routines. (43 grams is approximately three tablespoons)
After six months, each group completed five, sit-to-stand tests. Due to greater lower-body muscle power, participants who were consuming peanut butter were able to complete the tests faster than the control group that did not eat the peanut butter.
And, while the peanut butter group increased their intake of protein and unsaturated fat, they did not experience weight gain.
“Being able to complete the test faster means greater muscle power,” explains Dr. Tan. “Muscle power enables older people to perform activities of daily living, such as stair climbing and rising from a chair. Increased muscle power also reduces the risk of falls, which is a common reason for loss of independence, compromised quality of life and even premature death.”
