There are more than 650 muscles in the human body. Working together to control movement, maintain posture, and support critical bodily functions, healthy muscles are essential to overall health and longevity.

A 2023 review and meta-analysis showed low muscle mass was associated with higher mortality risk from all causes, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease.

While crucial throughout all stages of life, the significance of muscle health becomes more pronounced as individuals age, said Xavier Berger, market manager, Gnosis by Lesaffre.

“Maintaining muscle mass in youth and early adulthood supports physical performance, metabolic health, and injury prevention,” he said. “As people age, there is a natural decline in muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia, which can lead to reduced mobility, increased risk of falls, and diminished quality of life. Therefore, interventions that support muscle health are essential across the lifespan to promote longevity and functional independence.”

Age-related muscle loss can begin as early as age 30, said Shawn Baier, vice president of business development, TSI Group. “This gradual decline accelerates with age, becoming more pronounced after 60 and even more significant after 70 when muscle mass decreases by approximately 1% per year. By the age of 80, the average person will have lost 30-40% of their muscle mass and 20-40% of their strength.”

Muscle loss doesn’t only apply to mass and strength, Baier said. “It impacts mobility, balance, and overall quality of life. Weak muscles can exacerbate joint stress, increase the risk of falls, and lead to chronic pain. For example, weakened quadriceps place additional strain on the knees, accelerating joint wear and reducing mobility over time.”

Proactive strategies like resistance exercise, adequate protein intake, and targeted nutritional support can help maintain muscle health well into older age, Baier added. “Building a strong foundation in your 30s and 40s helps buffer against muscle decline, supporting independence and vitality throughout life.”

Despite an age-related decline in muscle health exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles, there is encouraging news, said Rajat Shah, co-founder of Nutriventia. “Muscles are highly responsive to strength training at any age. Engaging in resistance exercises can effectively counteract muscle loss and enhance overall health, making it crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life as we grow older.”

While people typically associate muscles with functions like movement and strength, their role in the body goes far beyond mobility, noted Anurag Pande, PhD, vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at Sabinsa Corporation.

“As early as the 1960s, scientists discovered that muscles act as a primary reservoir for amino acids, particularly in the absence of nutrients or during fasting conditions,” he said. “However, the full extent of muscles’ role in chronic health conditions remains underappreciated, even though individuals with lower muscle mass often struggle to cope with stress. For instance, muscle loss, a common side effect of statin drugs, can lead to myalgia and other complications.”

People generally reach peak muscle mass in their early 20s to mid-30s, Pande added. “Regular physical activity, resistance training, and adequate protein intake are key factors in optimizing muscle growth and maintaining healthy muscle mass and strength.”

However, past the age of 50, muscle mass begins to decline progressively at rates of up to 1.39% annually in men and 0.8% annually in women, Pande said. “In older adults experiencing pathological stress, muscle loss can accelerate and may lead to atrophy. Therefore, a myoprotective diet becomes crucial in supporting and maintaining muscle health in the aging population.”

Nora Khaldi, PhD, CEO and founder of Nuritas, also noted that muscle health is important at all ages, but that its role evolves, requiring more attention with time.

“For adults, maintaining muscle health will help with performance, energy, and overall health,” she said. “As we age, however, muscle loss becomes a major concern, affecting mobility, strength, and even metabolic health. The good news is that we can slow muscle loss and support strength well into later years with the right combination of diet, exercise, and nutrition.”

Nuritas’ ingredient PeptiStrong, for example, is a plant peptide the company discovered in fava beans that has been shown to preserve the body’s strength and enhance its ability to recover, “making it a powerful solution for consumers at all life stages,” Khaldi said.

She further noted “a major shift” in how consumers view muscle health. “It’s no longer just for athletes. From aging populations to individuals on GLP-1 medications, there’s growing awareness that muscle health is fundamental to longevity and overall well-being.”

Mariko Hill, global innovations manager at Gencor, said muscle is “the surrogate measure of health, especially as you age. Thus, maintaining lean muscle mass is incredibly important for individuals who want to maintain strength, hormone levels, metabolism, and daily well-being.”

Edward Dosz, PhD, vice president of science and innovation at NutriScience Innovations noted that recovery times increase with age, meaning delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) lasts longer due to “reduced muscle repair efficiency. Available time for exercise often decreases due to career, family, and commitments, making efficient workouts crucial.”

Health goals also evolve, he said, “from strength to maintaining lean mass, preventing sarcopenia, improving joint health, and prolonging independence. Strategies like adequate protein intake, recovery optimization, and targeted supplementation become essential for healthy aging and longevity.” 

At the cellular level, NAD plays a critical role in energy transformation, cellular repair, and overall muscle function, noted Eric Anderson, managing director of NXT USA, Inc. “It is the second most abundant molecule in the body, yet its levels decline with age, impacting muscle strength and endurance. Our BluNAD Booster helps replenish NAD levels and reduce NAD degradation, and our clinical research suggests improvements in muscular health, including grip strength and physical performance.”

Joint discomfort is often an “overlooked factor” in muscle health, Anderson said. “If movement is painful, people naturally become less active, leading to muscle decline. Our TamaFlex ingredient has been clinically shown to not only reduce joint discomfort but also improve lower body strength, as demonstrated by improvements in the sit-to-stand test. By reducing inflammation and promoting mobility, TamaFlex plays a key role in helping individuals maintain muscle health as they age.”

Establishing healthy habits early in life, such as proper diet and regular physical activity can support muscle health over time, said Angie Rimel, marketing communications manager, GELITA.

“Muscles are important to metabolism, weight management, and mitigating the risk of chronic diseases. Peak muscle mass typically occurs in the late 20s and early 30s and adding strength-training to regular exercise is important to maintaining strong muscles. For older adults, sarcopenia can lead to decreased strength, stability, and mobility necessary for preserving independence and preventing falls. Recognizing the significance of muscle health at every stage of life empowers individuals to sustain their physical function and overall health.”

Tailored Solutions

“Muscle health” typically has different meanings to people at various stages of their lives, said Steve Fink, vice president of marketing, PLT Health Solutions.

“For a younger, active demographic, building muscle is often the goal, targeting size, strength, endurance, and recovery. Athletes and bodybuilders tend to focus on muscle growth and recovery, while also seeking strength and endurance to support more intense workouts.”

In an older demographic, muscle health means vitality, independence, and mobility, Fink added. “Older people have a much harder time building muscle and hence the focus is generally on maintaining strength, endurance, and function. Maintaining lean muscle mass is an important issue for this group. Supplements designed for this category need to account for their effect on maintaining healthy lean muscle mass — including weight loss supplements.”

Men and women also respond differently to strategies aimed at sustaining muscle health. “It’s important that clinical studies factor this into their design and reporting,” said Fink.

Men typically have higher muscle mass due to testosterone, noted  Khaldi, while women, especially post-menopause, can experience faster muscle loss due to declining estrogen levels. “This makes muscle health particularly important for women as they age. Other groups, such as those on weight management journeys or diets, should also focus on their muscle health as there is risk of losing lean muscle mass in addition to fat.”

Shah indicated that research shows women have a higher proportion of Type I muscle fibers, which are better suited for endurance activities. “This composition not only enhances their stamina but also contributes to quicker recovery times compared to men. Understanding these differences is essential for tailoring fitness and health strategies that optimize muscle health across genders,” she said.

While age-related muscle loss affects both men and women, Baier noted, “women are generally at a greater disadvantage because they tend to have less muscle mass to begin with. Research shows that, on average, men have approximately 36% more muscle mass than women. This difference means that as women experience age-related muscle loss, the impact can be more pronounced, increasing the risk of frailty, loss of mobility, and reduced quality of life.”

Lifestyle choices play a significant role for everyone. Sedentary habits, poor nutrition, and aggressive weight loss without proper exercise accelerate muscle loss in all populations, said Baier. Regular physical activity and proper nutrition can mitigate these effects.

“Nutritional interventions like myHMB offer benefits for people across the spectrum,” Baier added, “from competitive athletes and fitness enthusiasts to older adults and those recovering from illness or injury. myHMB helps preserve muscle mass, enhance strength, and support recovery, making it a versatile solution for diverse needs.”

Muscle health can vary between genders and among different populations due to factors such as hormonal differences, lifestyle, and genetics, said Berger. “Men typically have greater absolute muscle mass than women due to higher testosterone levels. However, women often exhibit greater muscle endurance. Age-related muscle loss affects both genders, but post-menopausal women may experience accelerated declines due to hormonal changes. Additionally, individuals with certain medical conditions or those leading sedentary lifestyles may face unique challenges in maintaining muscle health.”

Pande referenced a study published in 2000 that found men generally possess more skeletal muscle mass than women, with the disparity more pronounced in the upper body than the lower body. Alongside hormonal differences, the response to exercise can vary between men and women, he said.

Historically, muscle health has been viewed as a “men’s issue,” said Anderson, “with women often discouraged from engaging in strength-focused exercise. Thankfully, that mindset is shifting.”

“While men typically have greater muscle mass and testosterone-driven muscle growth, women still experience significant benefits from resistance training, particularly in maintaining bone density, metabolic health, and overall mobility. The key is recognizing that muscle health is not just about bulk — it’s about strength, function, and resilience for all individuals.”

How GLP-1 Drugs Impact Muscle

About one in eight U.S. adults (12%) are using or have used new glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) medications like Ozempic. “These drugs spur not only fat loss,” said Annie Eng, CEO, HP Ingredients. “Muscle loss accounts for up to 60% of total weight loss.”

Anca Vislie, senior marketing manager, Superba/Aker BioMarine, said there’s a “significant convergence of micro and macro trends” when it comes to GLP-1 RA drugs.

“I believe that this will open the doors for brands in our industry to innovate and formulate like never before, especially when it comes to muscle health,” she said. “Regarding GLP-1 use, there are concerns about muscle health, but general nutrition is also a factor. When eating less, you still need to ensure that you are consuming the essential nutrients needed to support overall health.”

More research is needed to determine potential effects on physical performance, mobility, and long-term health, Vislie added. “There is an opportunity for ingredients like krill oil that support general health and muscle health, to have a big role in the future of this topic.”

There are natural ways to boost GLP-1 to support weight loss, Vislie noted, including incorporating healthy fats like omega-3s into the diet. “Furthermore, supplementation with omega-3 EPA and DHA can help increase fat-free muscle mass. Superba Krill oil (Aker BioMarine’s flagship ingredient) is clinically proven to support muscle strength for better knee extension, grip strength, and muscle mass maintenance in older adults.”

A natural complex of marine phospholipids, omega-3 EPA and DHA, choline, and astaxanthin, Superba Krill offers a high concentration of phospholipids. “Phospholipids play a key role in transporting nutrients like choline and omega-3 to the areas that need them the most, allowing the body to perform at its best while giving support to areas such as the muscles,” Vislie said. “Choline is an essential nutrient for stimulating muscle contraction, supporting muscle movement, and helping to improve overall performance.”

Cellular health, she added, “in many regards, is one of the most important factors of overall health, and krill oil phospholipids work at the cellular level. You cannot have a healthy body without healthy cells.”

While GLP-1 drugs don’t directly cause muscle loss, the extreme calorie restriction they can induce often results in both fat and muscle loss, said Baier, typically at a 50/50 ratio. “Losing muscle alongside fat can undermine metabolic health, reduce strength, and make it harder to maintain weight loss long-term.”

The key to mitigating muscle loss is a combination of adequate protein intake, resistance exercise, and targeted supplementation with ingredients like HMB. A metabolite of the amino acid leucine, HMB supports muscle health “by promoting protein synthesis and reducing protein breakdown — critical mechanisms for preserving lean mass during calorie restriction,” Baier said.

“Although we don’t have specific studies on GLP-1 RA users, existing research on HMB during calorie-restricted conditions shows it helps preserve muscle while promoting fat loss. For GLP-1 RA users, myHMB can be an essential tool to maintain muscle health, supporting both weight management goals and overall well-being.”

Anderson said many people are surprised to learn about the extent of muscle loss associated with GLP-1 use. “Some studies report that 30–40% of total weight lost is lean mass, with others showing reductions in lean mass ranging from 20-50%. This loss of muscle can have long-term consequences, impacting metabolism, strength, and overall health,” he said.

The impact on muscle health underscores the need for individuals using GLP-1 drugs to “prioritize muscle maintenance through protein intake, resistance training, and targeted supplementation that supports muscular health and recovery,” Anderson added.

Protein intake and resistance training are crucial for people taking GLP-1 drugs, Khaldi agreed, “but formulators have an opportunity to go beyond your typical protein powders and create products that actively support muscle retention. This is why we developed PeptiStrong — to give product formulators effective ingredients they can use to create products for groups like those on GLP-1 drugs.”

Dosz, at NutriScience Innovations, said the loss of lean mass from GLP-1 use “could be an adaptive response to the body’s shifting metabolic state, driven by reduced appetite, lower food, and therefore, protein intake, and changes in physical activity levels.”

Additionally, the rapid weight loss induced by GLP-1 drugs may alter hormonal signaling, potentially influencing muscle preservation mechanisms. “However, more research is needed to fully understand these effects, particularly considering age, disease status, and baseline muscle mass,” Dosz said. “Factors such as resistance training, dietary protein intake, and supplementation may play a critical role in mitigating muscle loss, but definitive strategies require further investigation to optimize long-term muscle health in individuals using GLP-1 therapies.”

“Muscle health is no longer confined to the realm of sports nutrition. It’s now a central pillar of healthy aging, weight management, and general wellness. Consumers are recognizing that maintaining muscle isn’t just about aesthetics or performance — it’s key to metabolic health, mobility, independence, and quality of life as they age. By 2030, over 1.4 billion people will be over the age of 60. This demographic shift is driving demand for products that support muscle health across all life stages.” — Shawn Baier, TSI Group

What to Watch: Ingredients & Science

“Muscle health is no longer confined to the realm of sports nutrition,” said Baier. “It’s now a central pillar of healthy aging, weight management, and general wellness. Consumers are recognizing that maintaining muscle isn’t just about aesthetics or performance — it’s key to metabolic health, mobility, independence, and quality of life as they age. By 2030, over 1.4 billion people will be over the age of 60. This demographic shift is driving demand for products that support muscle health across all life stages.”

As consumers become more mindful of their lifestyles and ways to support it, preventive and long-term approaches to maintain and improve muscle health will be top of mind, said Vislie.

“There is no question that investing in science behind muscle health is crucial for brands, especially in this ever-changing landscape,” she said. “Science-backed claims make brands and products more trustworthy, and consumers are more likely to engage with products supported by real research.”

To address sarcopenia, Aker BioMarine and a team of scientists from the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, looked at krill oil supplementation and skeletal muscle function and size in healthy, older people.

The randomized, double-blind, controlled trial included 102 men and women over 65 years of age. Over six months, participants who received krill oil saw significant improvements in grip strength, knee extensor muscle strength, and thigh muscle thickness.

As for the future of GLP-1 agonist drugs and muscle health, “Aker BioMarine is continuing to invest in new clinicals and initiatives, with exciting things in the pipeline,” she said.

Shah noted that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are linked to improved muscle function and reduced inflammation, with studies showing their positive effects on skeletal muscle mass and healthy aging.

“Functional foods rich in bioactive compounds, such as turmeric, also support post-exercise muscle recovery due to their anti-inflammatory properties,” she said. “Curcumin exerts its effects by modulating inflammatory pathways, including the suppression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzymes, as well as downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). These actions contribute to reduced muscle inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby supporting muscle recovery and overall musculoskeletal health.”

Nutriventia’s TurmXTRA 60N is a water-dispersible turmeric extract standardized to 60% natural curcuminoids that has been specifically developed to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin. “TurmXTRA 60N stands out as a scientifically validated ingredient for muscle health, offering optimized bioavailability and proven efficacy in reducing muscle soreness and promoting recovery,” Shah said. “Its incorporation into dietary regimens presents a valuable strategy for individuals seeking to support musculoskeletal health through natural, low-dose, evidence-based interventions.”

Sabinsa’s Curcumin C3 Complex is a well-known ingredient for managing inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are crucial for maintaining musculoskeletal function, said Pande.

“Curcumin C3 Reduct, another innovation from Sabinsa, enhances cellular energy levels, potentially boosting muscle strength and metabolic function,” he added. “DigeZyme, a proprietary blend of five digestive enzymes, has been studied to help reduce the severity of DOMS, aiding in faster recovery.”

PLT Health Solutions offers three ingredients that target muscle health at different life stages. RipFACTOR Muscle Accelerator is a low-dose ingredient that rapidly enhances strength, endurance, and muscle size, with results starting in 14 days and positive physiological changes recorded at every time point over two 56-day clinical trials.

Dynagenix Muscle + Joint Formula aids muscle recovery and joint comfort, reducing muscle soreness by 12.5% at 24 hours and 48% at 72 hours post-exercise with a 60-mg dose.

Strengthera Muscle Maintenance + Vitality is clinically shown to improve strength, endurance, stability, and mobility in adults over 55, with significant results in four weeks, the company said.

These water-soluble, neutral-tasting ingredients can be formulated into diverse products like chews, gummies, stick-packs, shots, and beverages, said Fink.

“In today’s health and wellness market, we know these things,” Fink added: “consumers read labels, they do the research, they value the promise of branded ingredients in their health and wellness products, and they want fast-acting, experiential, step-change solutions from delightful delivery systems. Quality clinical science and proven efficacy are the cornerstones of getting consumers to trust and buy a product. Clinical study design needs to focus on the needs of a particular demographic and demonstrate efficacy for that group.”

Muscles do not exist on their own, said Rimel at GELITA. “The whole musculoskeletal system is connected and protected by a network of connective tissue, largely represented by the muscle fascia, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone, and also the skin. Collectively known as the ‘white tissue,’ this network is formed mainly by the body’s most abundant protein: collagen.”

A person’s range of motion and stiffness primarily reflect their white tissue properties, Rimel said. “Nearly every activity-related injury and its manifestations, such as pain, are to some extent associated with the white tissue, as well as an injured athlete’s ability to quickly return to play or an aging person to maintain their independence.”

“The whole musculoskeletal system is connected and protected by a network of connective tissue, largely represented by the muscle fascia, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone, and also the skin. Collectively known as the ‘white tissue,’ this network is formed mainly by the body’s most abundant protein: collagen.” — Angie Rimel, Gelita

GELITA’s BODYBALANCE Bioactive Collagen Peptides contain a unique peptide sequence. Hydroxyproline, found only in collagen, is an amino acid essential in many metabolic functions in the body, including muscle building, Rimel said. It’s backed by a growing number of product-specific trials that consistently show significant changes in body composition when used in combination with strength training.

“The mechanism of action is still subject to emerging research, with current data suggesting a multifactorial impact on various metabolic processes, related to both muscle and fat metabolism,” said Rimel.

Muscle health encompasses a wide range of factors, and relevant ingredients can include those that promote muscle growth and recovery or help maintain muscle mass, said Maggie McNamara, vice president of global marketing, Gencor.

“For example, ingredients that fall under this definition may include creatine monohydrate, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), protein, glutamine, and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). Gencor’s PEA ingredient, branded as Levagen+, has demonstrated notable support for performance by enhancing lactate levels, enabling study participants to exercise at higher intensities and for longer durations. Additionally, Levagen+ has been shown to assist in recovery by stimulating the Akt/PkB pathway and reducing myoglobin levels, which is a marker for muscle damage.”

For product formulators, science-backed, multifunctional formulations should address different aspects of muscle health, such as growth, recovery, and endurance, said Dosz. “Targeted formulations for specific demographics can create differentiation and appeal to consumer demands.”

He also noted growing interest in products that combine cognitive function with physical performance. “Ingredients that support both muscle health and mental clarity or focus (like adaptogens or nootropics) are gaining traction. For example, clinically studied ingredients like Suntheanine, could be paired with muscle health ingredients to aid in stress management, which can indirectly benefit recovery and performance.”

Meanwhile, MalTor, a patent-pending complex of taurine and malic acid, is gaining attention in the muscle health category due to its ability to reduce exercise-induced pain and improve recovery, Dosz said. “A clinical study shows that MalTor helps lower the pain threshold associated with intense exercise, making it beneficial for athletes and active individuals. Taurine supports muscle hydration and antioxidant defense, reducing oxidative stress and muscle damage, while malic acid promotes energy production and reduces fatigue. This combination may help accelerate recovery, reduce DOMS, and improve exercise tolerance.”

Consumers are demanding functional health solutions that are backed by science, effective, clean-label, and plant-based where possible, said Khaldi. “If product formulators want to stand out and serve a consumer need, look for ingredients that can help develop those types of products. When it comes to muscle health, don’t just focus on the amount of protein, it’s also about how well the body can use it. PeptiStrong works at lower doses than traditional protein sources, making it an ideal solution for functional foods, beverages, and supplements.”

Several dietary ingredients are gaining attention for their potential benefits in supporting muscle health, noted Berger.

“Naturally found in the endangered Rhodiola species, salidroside is known for its adaptogenic properties, including enhancing exercise performance and reducing muscle damage. The clinical study on LANDKIND Pure Salidroside — a pure, sustainable source produced through fermentation — demonstrated improved cardiovascular fitness, reduced muscle damage, and stabilized mood during intense physical activity.”

High-quality protein sources, such as whey or plant-based proteins, provide essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth, Berger added.

BCAAs leucine, isoleucine, and valine are known to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and may reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness.

In addition, creatine is a well-researched supplement that enhances strength, increases lean muscle mass, and aids muscle recovery during exercise.

“Product formulators should prioritize clinically validated ingredients that support muscle health while ensuring purity, bioavailability, and sustainability,” said Berger. “Utilizing fermentation-derived salidroside, as in LANDKIND Pure Salidroside, provides a consistent and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plant extraction.”

Eng at HP Ingredients suggested formulators “seek to carve a niche, as muscle health status is very different from individual to individual. For many men, muscular health is a source of pride and is tied into their sexual virility. For this mindset, it makes sense to use one ingredient shown to promote both muscular gains and sexual wellness.”

Supplementation with the company’s LJ100 Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) helps build strong skeletal muscle through modulating testosterone levels, Eng said. “It enhances the activity of key enzymes in the testosterone biosynthesis pathway, leading to increased production of DHEA, a precursor to testosterone.”

Eng also noted that states like New York are “overreaching” in regulating the sale of muscle-building supplements. For example, Massachusetts has introduced a bill that aims to ban the sale of OTC weight loss and muscle-building supplements to those under 18; and retailers would need to place these products behind the counter.

“Public safety is, of course, a prominent concern, and responsibility and transparency are paramount to achieving this. However, if passed, this conveys the message that all muscle-health supplements are unsafe,” Eng said.