Amazing benefits of goat
milk in combating muscle atrophy
A recent scientific study has revealed unexpected benefits that goat's milk offers in
combating muscular dystrophy, especially that associated with aging, medically
known as "sarcopenia". This type of atrophy is one of the most common health
challenges among older adults, gradually leading to loss of muscle mass and
impaired motor ability, increasing the risk of falls and chronic diseases.
According to :
- the journal Food Science & Nutrition, researchers conducted
- a comprehensive laboratory experiment aimed at evaluating the effect of
- different types of goat milk on experimental animals infected with sarcopenia.
Elderly laboratory mice were selected as a representative model for this condition
divided into different groups and consuming four types of milk over eight weeks:
- Whole goat milk
- Fat-free goat milk
- Goat milk fortified with vitamin D and calcium
- Cow's milk as a comparison group.
- Significant improvement in muscle health
After the study period
there were significant improvements in the muscle condition of mice that
consumed goat milk, compared to the group that drank cow's milk.
These improvements included :
an increase in muscle mass, an improvement in muscle strength
as well as a decrease in inflammatory indicators, indicators
often associated :
with deteriorating overall health and loss of muscle mass.
Interestingly
all types of goat milk contributed to the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR cellular
signaling pathway, one of the main biological pathways responsible for building
and regenerating muscle tissue. This activation reflects the potential role of goat
milk in supporting muscle growth processes and preventing muscle damage.
The pivotal role of vitamin D and calcium
Among the different types, goat milk fortified with vitamin D
and calcium emerged as the most effective.
This species has contributed to greater enhancement of gene expression associated
with muscle fiber regeneration than other species. Vitamin D is known for its vital
role in regulating calcium balance in the body and stimulating its absorption in
bones and muscles :
which makes this combination :
scientifically supported in improving muscle performance.
Relieve inflammation and promote autophagy
The study also showed that goat's milk helped reduce levels of
ome inflammatory compounds in the body, such as:
- CRP (C-reactive protein)
- IL‑1β (interleukin 1 beta)
- IL‑6 (interleukin 6)
- TNF‑α (tumor necrosis factor alpha)
These compounds are often elevated in people with chronic infections or muscle
problems. By reducing these indicators, goat milk helped provide
a more conducive environment for muscle regeneration.
It also contributed to accelerating the process of "cell autophagy" (Autophagy)
a vital process that rids the body of damaged cells and promotes the growth of
new cells, leading to improved tissue self-renewal mechanisms.
Supporting gut health
The benefits of goat milk did not stop only at the muscles, but extended to the
digestive system as well. Researchers noticed that mice that consumed this milk
experienced an increase in the levels of beneficial bacteria in their intestines
such as:
Leuconostoc
Lactococcus
- This suggests that goat's milk can contribute to promoting gut health
- and microbial balance, which is an important factor in improving
- nutrient absorption and supporting overall immunity.
Can the results be applied to humans?
Despite the encouraging results, the study authors emphasized that these results
are still limited to an animal model (experimental mice).
Therefore
- the effect cannot be directly generalized to humans, but it represents
- an important first step toward a deeper understanding of
- the potential role of goat's milk in preventing sarcopenia in humans.
Summary and recommendations
This study suggests that goat milk, especially fortified with vitamin D and calcium
could be a promising nutrient in muscle atrophy prevention strategies.
While we await human studies confirming these benefits
consideration could be given to incorporating goat's milk into a balanced dietespecially in the elderly or those with chronic muscle weakness.
With the increasing trend towards natural remedies and preventive nutrition
such research highlights the importance of the components of our daily
diet in supporting overall health and aging in a more quality and active way.