Men and women lose muscle mass and strength with age. Loss of muscle mass and strength is accompanied by a loss of muscle function which can lead to diminished quality of life and more importantly can lead to serious fall requiring medical treatment. The investigators hypothesize that the combined supplements of Calcium-HMB and Vitamin D will lead to decreased falls and to improved quality of life (QOL) for older adults. The investigators further hypothesize that the addition of a modest exercise regimen to these supplements will enhance the synergistic effects of both Calcium-HMB and Vitamin D. Subjects will consume the dietary supplement 2 times per day for 12 months. Tests will consist of the following: a) strength of subjects' legs and elbow by Isokinetic Dynamometer; b) body composition; c) hand-grip strength by hand-grip dynamometer; d) functional mobility, balance and agility (Get-Up and Get-Up-and-Go tests); e) filling out questionnaires; and g) having blood drawn for biochemical measurements. Testing will be performed at the baseline (0 months) and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
238
A Placebo comparator
Active comparator of HMB (3 g/d) plus Vitamin D (2,000 IU/d)
This group will not participate in 3 times per week strength training
This group will participate in a supervised 3 times per week strength training program
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa, United States
Muscular strength
Leg and elbow strength will be tested by Isokinetic dynamometer and Handgrip strength will be tested using a hand-grip dynamometer.
Time frame: 12 Months
Functionality
The Get-Up and Get-Up-and-Go tests will be used as a measure of functionality.
Time frame: 12 months
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