Protein powder could extend life...

Body builder protein powder 'could increase life expectancy by 10 years'

By FIONA MACRAE
Last updated at 11:29 PM on 5th October 2010

A protein powder favoured by body builders could hold the secret of a long and healthy life, scientists believe.

Dissolved in water, the mixture built muscle, boosted fitness and improved balance and co-ordination.

Tantalisingly, the powder, which can be bought from health food shops and online, increased life expectancy by 12 per cent.

The amazing results come from animal experiments, but, in human terms, this would equate to an extra 10 years or so of life.

The Italian researchers believe that taken daily from middle-age, the 'elixir of life' powder could help millions look forward to a healthier old age.

Sprinkled on porridge or stirred into milk, it could strengthen weak and worn worn-out muscle, cutting the risk of painful falls and fractures in old age.

Taken in later life, the supplement could give a much-needed energy boost to those with heart, lung and other problems.

Researcher Enzo Nisoli said: 'I think our data warrant a recommendation that middle-aged people start taking these supplements.'

Professor Nisoli, of Brescia University, give 'middle-aged' mice water laced with amino acids - the building blocks of protein.

The three 'branched-chain' amino acids used were leucine, isoleucine and valine.

Those given the supplement lived 80 days longer than the average mouse, the journal Cell Metabolism reports.

In human terms, this would increase the average 77.7 lifespan of a British man to 87. And take the average life expectancy for women from 81.9 years to almost 92.

Muscle strength, balance, co-ordination and endurance also improved.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1317927/Body-builder-protein-powder-increase-life-expectancy-10-years.html#ixzz11a88gnmT