Maintaining muscle mass in old age 'harder for women'
A new study has revealed that it is harder for women to keep in good shape as they age than it is for men.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine and the University of Nottingham found that postmenopausal women were less able to respond to food to build muscle mass than men of the same age.
In contrast, 65 to 80-year-old men were better able to store protein in muscle.
Publishing their findings in the Public Library of Science (PLoS) One, the researchers suggest that the difference between the ability of men and women to build muscle mass could be due to the hormonal changes that occur during the menopause.
Michael Rennie, professor of clinical physiology at the University of Nottingham, said: "This is a significant finding for the maintenance of better health in old age and reducing demands on the National Health Service."
The expert suggested that older women should focus on achieving a high intake of protein in order to reduce the loss of muscle mass.
A new study has revealed that it is harder for women to keep in good shape as they age than it is for men.
