Revolutionizing Nutrition for Healthy Longevity
As the global population continues to age, understanding the mechanisms behind aging has never been more critical. Nestlé is delving into science-driven nutritional solutions to address age-related conditions such as muscle loss and fatigue. Two recent studies have unveiled bioactive nutrients that target muscle regeneration and counteract the effects of aging, paving the way for innovative dietary approaches.
Discovering Nutrients That Regenerate Aging Muscles
One study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, was conducted in collaboration with the French National Center for Scientific Research and the NeuroMyoGène Institute in Lyon. Researchers identified a specific combination of bioactive nutrients, including nicotinamide and pyridoxine—both linked to vitamin B. These nutrients synergistically activate local stem cells in skeletal muscles, enhancing muscle recovery and strength, particularly in aging individuals.
Dr. Pascal Stuelsatz, a senior expert in muscle growth and regeneration at Nestlé Research, noted:
“Aging disrupts muscle regeneration at the cellular level. Our findings offer a nutrition-based solution to combat age-related muscle decline.” 
This discovery highlights the potential of dietary interventions in stimulating skeletal muscle stem cells, helping them recover and rebuild strength even during advanced aging.
Boosting Cellular Energy Through Oleuropein
Another groundbreaking study, published in Cell Metabolism and conducted in partnership with the University of Padua, focused on oleuropein, a polyphenol derived from olives. Oleuropein was shown to enhance cellular energy and muscle performance by stimulating mitochondrial activity.
Mitochondria, often called the “powerhouses” of cells, are critical for producing the energy the body needs to function. However, aging and sarcopenia reduce mitochondrial calcium absorption, impairing their efficiency. Nestlé researchers found that oleuropein could reverse this age-related decline.
Dr. Jérôme Feige, a senior musculoskeletal health expert at Nestlé Research, explained:
“These findings emphasize the power of nutrition in addressing cellular pathways disrupted by aging and muscle depletion.”
Preclinical models demonstrated that oleuropein enhances mitochondrial energy production, sustaining muscle performance and reducing fatigue in aging populations.
Pioneering Nutrition for a Longer, Healthier Life
Earlier this year, another Nestlé study published in Nature Metabolism highlighted the benefits of trigonelline, a natural molecule, for muscle and cellular health during aging. These discoveries underline Nestlé’s commitment to healthy aging as a core innovation area.
The company integrates groundbreaking research into new nutritional solutions, leveraging expertise in physiology and nutritional science. All innovations undergo rigorous safety and quality evaluations before advancing to clinical trials, ensuring measurable health benefits for consumers.
Nestlé continues to push the boundaries of science, creating practical solutions to support healthy aging and improve the quality of life for an aging population.
