Latest news with #musclehealth
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
Danone targets consumers taking weight loss drugs with new drink
NEW YORK, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Danone ( opens new tab is introducing an Oikos brand drink targeting U.S. consumers using weight loss medications such as Wegovy, pledging the dairy-based beverage helps address the common concern of retaining muscle. Patients on GLP-1 medications like Zepbound often shed valuable muscle rather than fat, worrying doctors and requiring diet changes, such as eating more protein. Danone's new drink, called Oikos Fusion, has nutrients such as vitamin D and whey protein that the French company says help build and maintain muscle. Danone is the latest food maker seizing the opportunity to sell new products to consumers dropping weight with GLP-1s, which users usually inject and are sometimes called "the shot." The market is set to grow as drug makers look to develop the appetite-suppressing medication in pill form. U.S. packaged food maker Conagra (CAG.N), opens new tab started labeling its Healthy Choice frozen meals "GLP-1" friendly, while rival Nestle (NESN.S), opens new tab launched Vital Pursuit to serve those on the medicine. The frozen pizzas and pasta bowls generally offer higher amounts of protein and come in smaller portions. Danone earlier this year introduced another high-protein Oikos smoothie to compete with Coca-Cola's (KO.N), opens new tab wildly popular Fairlife. PepsiCo (PEP.O), opens new tab is also getting into "liquid protein" as Americans add more to their diet. Danone's sales in North America grew more than 2% in its second quarter, in part because of Oikos, which is mostly a yogurt brand. "This is a brand that has been growing at a rapid pace in the marketplace and strategically expanding," said Rafael Acevedo, president of yogurt at Danone North America. Single bottles of the new drink will first be sold in Walmart (WMT.N), opens new tab for $2.12.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Protein plays a key role in healthy aging. Here are some go-to meal ideas and how to best calculate your daily needs
Protein is everywhere right now. I've seen ads and recipes for high-protein popcorn, coffee, chips and bagels. It's the current hyper-fixation nutrient on social media. But what's the real deal with protein? What does it do? And is it really that important for aging well? Protein is most famously known for its role in muscle growth and maintenance. But it's not a one-trick pony, and its lesser known roles include supporting our immune system; helping with satiety, building and repairing skin, muscle and tissues; and maintaining strong nails, skin and hair. I'm a registered dietitian — so I understand how hard it can be to cut through the noise. Below, I break down what you need to know about protein, how much you should be consuming and some protein-packed meal recommendations. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Aging, perimenopause and menopause can come with increased risk of muscle loss, but adequate protein intake and strength training two to three times a week may negate age-related muscle loss. Protein needs are individualized based on age, physical activity, personal goals and health status. The general recommendation for menopausal women is 1 to 1.2g/kg protein per day. To figure out your unique protein requirements, determine your weight in kilograms, and then multiple by 1 and 1.2. That will give you an approximate range of protein to eat each day. Ideally, spacing protein equally throughout the day — such as during meals or within snacks — may help with better digestion and muscle growth. Try to aim for 25 to 30 grams of protein at each meal, and five to 10 grams for snacks. Moreover, prioritize lean proteins like chicken, fish, lower-fat dairy products and plant-based proteins. Aim for a balanced plate at the majority of your meals, consisting of 1/2 plate of vegetables, 1/4 plate of high-fibre grain or starch (whole grains, potato, sweet potato, squash, corn) and 1/4 plate of protein. Protein powders can be a convenient way to get more protein, although food should be the primary focus. But if you struggle to meet your protein goals through food alone, then a protein powder may be something to consider. Here are some great lean proteins to eat more of, and examples of ways to include them in your diet: An easy, versatile, protein-rich food. Enjoy it for breakfast with some fruit and nuts. Or if you're more of a savoury fan, spread it on toast with avocado, tomato and some everything bagel seasoning. But what if the chunks in cottage cheese aren't for you? If you're not a fan of this protein option, consider blending it into things like canned tomatoes for a high-protein tomato sauce, or add it to a smoothie. Alternatively, there are smooth, chunk-less versions of cottage cheese, or try smoothing it out at home with an immersion blender. One-half of a cup provides 13 to 16 grams of protein, depending on the brand. If you have around one cup of cottage cheese, add some nuts, seeds or hemp hearts, and you've met your protein goal for breakfast! Soy has sometimes been demonized, but research suggests that phytoestrogens (the plant compound found in soy foods), may actually improve symptoms of menopause for some people. Tofu, edamame, soy milk, tempeh, and TVP (textured vegetable protein) are all great sources of soy protein, with two to four servings per day being associated with health benefits. Examples of one serving are one cup of soy milk, one-third of a block of tofu or three-quarters of a cup of edamame. Fish is the primary protein source of the Mediterranean diet, which is a pattern of eating associated with a lower risk of certain chronic diseases. Enjoy a serving of fish two or more times a week, opting for tuna, salmon and sardines, which are fatty fish rich in heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. One ounce (30 grams) provides about 6.5 grams of protein. Low in saturated fat and high in fibre, beans and lentils are a plant-based protein source. Canned is a quick and easy alternative to dried beans and lentils, which require soaking and/or cooking. Try adding these to salads, soups, tacos or chili for an added protein and fibre boost. One-half of a cup of cooked or canned beans and lentils provides around eight to nine grams of protein. Another very versatile protein source. Choose Greek-style yogurt over other types of yogurt, since it has about double the amount of protein. It's great for enjoying on its own with some added ingredients like hemp hearts, ground flax seeds and fruit, or incorporated into other recipes, such as dressings, smoothies or dips. One-third of a cup provides 15 to 20 grams of protein, depending on the brand. Protein may be having a moment online, but it's more than just a trending fad. It's a key nutrient for staying strong, energized and healthy as we age, especially for women entering perimenopause and menopause. The good news is, you don't need expensive supplements or complicated recipes to meet your protein needs. Find protein-rich foods you enjoy, and try including a good protein source at every meal and snack.
Times of Oman
01-07-2025
- Science
- Times of Oman
Shubhanshu Shukla conducts muscle stem cell research on ISS, records educational video on digestion in space for Indian students
Florida: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), conducted a series of scientific experiments on Monday focused on muscle health, digestion in space, and astronaut mental well-being. According to NASA, Shukla worked inside the Kibo laboratory's Life Sciences Glovebox to study how muscle stem cells behave in microgravity. He also recorded an educational video for Indian school students explaining how the human digestive system adapts in space. NASA said, "Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla filmed a video targeted to young Indian students discussing how the digestion system adapts to space. Next, Shukla worked in Kibo's Life Science Glovebox checking muscle stem cell cultures to learn how to maintain muscle health in space." The Life Sciences Glovebox is a sealed and sterile workspace aboard the ISS that allows astronauts to safely handle biological samples in microgravity. It is large enough to allow two astronauts to work together and is used for experiments requiring clean conditions. According to NASA, ISRO's experiment, Myogenesis, investigates how muscle cells regenerate in space. Astronauts tend to lose muscle mass during extended missions, partly due to microgravity disrupting the function of mitochondria, the part of the cell responsible for energy production. The study involves testing certain metabolic supplements to see if they can improve muscle repair in microgravity. Results from the research may help in developing treatments for age-related muscle loss or muscle-wasting diseases on Earth, in addition to improving astronaut health during long-duration spaceflights. NASA explained the purpose, saying, "Astronauts lose muscle mass and the ability of muscle cells to regenerate during spaceflight, which may be due to microgravity interfering with metabolism in mitochondria, cell structures that produce energy. The Effect of Metabolic Supplements on Muscle Regeneration Under Microgravity (Myogenesis - ISRO) investigation on the Axiom 4 (Ax-4) private astronaut mission uses muscle stem cell cultures to examine the muscle repair process and test chemicals known to support mitochondrial function. Results could lead to interventions that maintain muscle health during long-term space missions and help people on Earth with muscle-related challenges such as age-related muscle loss and muscle-wasting diseases." Other Ax-4 crew members also contributed to scientific research. Mission Commander Peggy Whitson used the Ultrasound 2 device to perform vein scans on Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, to help understand how space affects blood pressure, balance, and vision. According to NASA, the Ultrasound 2 on the International Space Station (ISS) is a modified commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) ultrasound system that provides high-resolution ultrasound images of target areas in the human body." Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski tested a brain-computer interface using a special headset developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). He later joined Whitson and Shukla in filming content for an astronaut mental health study. NASA stated, "The Thoughts over Gravity, a Test of Using fNIRS-based Brain, Computer Interface in LEO Conditions (PhotonGrav) investigation verifies the effectiveness of near-infrared technology (fNIRS) in low Earth orbit to record brain activity for constructing brain-computer interfaces (BCI) operated in the microgravity environment." Commenting on the crew's schedule, NASA said, "The Ax-4 private astronauts had a science-packed Monday fulfilling research objectives for their home countries." The Ax-4 mission is taking place alongside the activities of the ISS's regular Expedition 73 crew. While Ax-4 focuses on privately funded science, Expedition 73 astronauts continue to work on NASA- and ESA-backed research related to human health and biology in space. NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers conducted muscle stimulation tests using biomedical equipment to examine how muscles react to electrical signals. McClain also completed cognitive tests to study how spaceflight affects brain function. Ayers and fellow astronaut Jonny Kim processed blood samples, including collections from Whitson and Uznanski-Wisniewski, for ESA's Bone on ISS study on space-induced bone loss. JAXA Commander Takuya Onishi collected and stored his own blood and urine samples for long-term health monitoring. He also worked on air quality monitoring inside the Kibo module. Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritskiy trained for the arrival of the "Progress 92" cargo spacecraft and loaded the outgoing "Progress 90" with waste for departure. Another cosmonaut, Kirill Peskov, underwent a 24-hour heart and blood pressure monitoring session and prepared the European robotic arm for upcoming operations. Summarising the week's activities, NASA said, "The seven-member Expedition 73 crew wrapped up a weekend of housecleaning and relaxation, then kicked off Monday with muscle and brain research aboard the International Space Station. Their Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) counterparts worked throughout the weekend and began the week taking a closer look at muscle cells and exploring brain-computer interfaces." On June 26, Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to board the International Space Station. The Ax-4 crew includes former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, and ESA astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The mission is expected to last up to 14 days. Axiom Mission 4 was launched at noon IST on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on June 26 at 4:05 pm IST, ahead of schedule, connecting to the space-facing port of the station's Harmony module.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Muscles, fats and simple blood test can predict menopausal women's health
SINGAPORE – A simple blood test can predict which woman will have less muscle and will be walking more slowly later in life. It is also practical and cheaper than current methods of measuring muscle, such as the current gold standard magnetic resonance imaging scans or strength tests, which are also more time-consuming. This new insight from a longitudinal cohort study of midlife women in Singapore shone light on how muscle strength, visceral fat and their association with physical decline after menopause can potentially lead to downstream health impacts among women here. Researchers from the National University Hospital (NUH) and National University of Singapore (NUS) found that women with a lower creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio (CCR) – a marker derived from blood tests – had less muscle and walked more slowly as they age. Creatinine is a by-product of normal muscle function and energy use, and a higher level indicates higher skeletal muscle mass or poor kidney function. Cystatin C is a protein produced by the body's cells that is filtered out by the kidneys. A normal cystatin C level rules out poor kidney function. A low CCR of under 8.16 was associated with a lower muscle volume of 0.35 litres in the thigh, and a slower gait of 0.049m a second. This suggested that CCR could be a useful early warning sign for age-related muscle loss, which may lead to falls, frailty and reduced quality of life. The findings were published in Menopause, a monthly peer-reviewed journal, in March. The scientists involved in the study are from the Integrated Women's Health Programme (IWHP) at NUH and the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The IWHP was initiated to identify and address the healthcare needs of midlife Singaporean women. It recruited a cohort of 1,200 Chinese, Malay and Indian women aged 45 to 69 between 2014 and 2016 – about 70 per cent of whom were post-menopausal. Their health metrics were then tracked over time. In the first study based on this cohort, published in international journal Maturitas in October 2023, the researchers shared a ranking of menopausal symptoms – with joint and muscular discomfort found to be the most reported symptom among women in Singapore. Called arthralgia, it had moderate or severe impact on a third of the midlife women of the cohort. A subsequent study, published in the Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism journal in October 2024, found that women with both weak muscle strength and high levels of visceral fat – the deep belly fat around the internal organs – had the highest risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Their risk was 2.63 times higher than that of women who had normal muscle strength and lower fat levels. Having just one of these conditions also increased their risk, though to a lesser degree. The risk from having high visceral fat alone is 1.78 times higher. Among those with weak muscle strength, women with high visceral fat faced 2.84 times as much risk compared with those with low visceral fat. Explaining the impetus for the study, IWHP lead Yong Eu Leong said: 'Muscle... burns up fat. What about those who have weak muscles? Does it affect the risk for diabetes in the future?' The cohort's initial muscle and visceral fat measurements served as a baseline for researchers to track changes over the years. Researchers then analysed how changes in fat and muscle measurements taken about six years later – by then, about 90 per cent of the women were post-menopausal – related to whether women had developed diabetes. Professor Yong, who also heads the division of benign gynaecology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at NUH, noted that a large proportion of women in Singapore are 'skinny fat', where their body mass index is within the normal range, but that they have high levels of visceral fat and low muscle mass. 'One way (to know what your risks are) is to measure your walk and the speed at which you walk. If you cannot walk fast and straight, then your health is not so good. We wanted to see if we can develop a test that can predict gait speed. We wanted to look at molecules that actually measure muscle functions,' he said. 'These findings validated our previous (IWHP) research that showed that women should not just focus on weight loss, but on building muscle strength through exercise for diabetes prevention,' Prof Yong said. One participant of the IWHP, administrative assistant Sabarina Jumarudin, is living proof of the findings. The 59-year-old grandmother used to weigh 93kg and suffered from sleep apnoea. Since undergoing bariatric surgery at NUH in 2018, a procedure that modifies the digestive system to help people with obesity lose weight, she has lost more than 30kg. Mindful of keeping her weight down, Madam Sabarina walks to the MRT station every day instead of taking the shuttle service, and takes the stairs instead of the escalator to catch the train. 'On my way home, I usually take a longer route to ensure I clock at least 10,000 steps a day, and practise stretching and breathing exercises to strengthen my core,' she said. 'I realised that small but consistent changes do make a big impact on my health, so I do what I can on a daily basis, and it gives me confidence to not only stay healthy physically and mentally but also stave off diabetes,' she added. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Eli Lilly, Juvena Therapeutics Partner to Develop Muscle-Boosting Drugs Using AI Platform
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is one of the best stocks to buy for beginners now. On June 11, Eli Lilly announced a partnership with Juvena Therapeutics to develop new muscle-boosting drugs. The collaboration is valued at over $650 million, with the majority of this sum tied to the achievement of specific development and commercialization milestones. The core of the partnership involves Eli Lilly using Juvena's AI-enabled screening platform, which is known as JuvNET. This platform specializes in mapping the therapeutic potential of proteins secreted by stem cells. By combining a vast database of secreted proteins with disease phenotypes, in silico and in vitro human cell screening, and other advanced capabilities, JuvNET is designed to identify promising drug candidates that can improve muscle health and body composition. Eli Lilly's interest in muscle-boosting drugs has surged in parallel with the popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medication. These medications are effective for weight loss but can also lead to a reduction in lean muscle mass, which can impair physical function and increase the risk of falls and fractures, especially in older individuals and senior citizens. Eli Lilly aims to address this concern. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals internationally. Juvena Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company on a mission to research, develop, and commercialize tissue restorative biologics. While we acknowledge the potential of LLY as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the . READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
