Daily consumption of grapes improves muscle strength markers in postmenopausal women: Study

 A new study from the University of California, Davis, published in the peer-reviewed journal Food & Function, provides the first clinical evidence showing that regular consumption of grapes – just 1 ½ cups per day – can improve muscle strength and boost irisin levels in postmenopausal women. The results suggest a promising strategy against age-related muscle decline, also known as sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass and strength. These losses can start as early as age 40 and with progression over time, sarcopenia adversely affects quality of life including degree of mobility, loss of independence, and higher healthcare costs.

In this study, led by Gerardo Mackenzie, Ph.D., one group of subjects consumed whole grape powder (equivalent to 1 ½ cups fresh grapes per day), while the other group consumed a placebo powder that had none of the beneficial phytonutrients found in grapes. The women consuming grape powder significantly improved their performance on the tests of muscle strength: hand grip and gait speed. Irisin, a hormone that is beneficial for muscle and bone growth, was also measured pre-and post-study interventions.