Joints, bones and muscles have long been considered three distinct systems. But approaching them as one musculoskeletal health category represents huge and potentially lucrative opportunities for active lifestyle products as well as formulations targeting the healthy aging community.
In part one of a three-part series published by Natural Products Insider, board-certified preventive medicine specialist Jason Theodosakis, M.D. points out, “Natural products designed to support one of these systems rarely target another. Yet all three are related to healthy aging, and tremendous crossover exists between them. For example, age-related muscle loss can contribute to joint pain. Joint pain leads to lack of exercise which leads to changes in bone density and muscle loss.”
He continues: “Given the interconnectedness of the various components of the musculoskeletal system, it stands to reason that what nourishes one part of the system will directly or indirectly benefit the others.”
We are pleased that Dr. Theo specifically mentioned age-related muscle loss. If you look at achieving optimal musculoskeletal health, it’s a three-legged stool comprised of joint, bone and muscle health. If any one leg is not optimal, musculoskeletal health suffers. Muscle health, especially for the aging population, is new territory and it’s an untapped health category. Joint and bone health categories are well established, multi-billion dollar per year categories, while muscle health, especially for an aging demographic, remains in its infancy. Most consumers and even health care practitioners aren’t aware of the need to maintain muscle health or they know very little about it, and this represents a tremendous opportunity for dietary supplement manufacturers to offer life changing health solutions and benefits that can also boost business growth substantially.
“Muscle degradation is an emerging concern in the healthy aging industry. Involuntary age-related muscle loss affects the entire population, often affecting quality of life in adults over age 60. Muscle weakness can exacerbate other symptoms and increase vulnerability to injuries. Conversely, strengthening muscles can improve outcomes, enhance balance and promote overall well-being.”
He also referenced myHMB when discussing how one dietary supplement formulation may benefit two systems within the musculoskeletal category. In addition to vitamin D3 being integral to bone health, Dr. Theo told readers: “A 2020 study supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) demonstrated that when D3 is combined with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (as myHMB), greater strength and superior muscle function is involved, especially in older adults.” myHMB is backed by more than 100 studies.
Fueled by innovation and the motto, “Healthy Begins Here,” TSI Group is a leader in the musculoskeletal health categories. We’re educating and expanding the muscle health market by creating consumer awareness about the importance of maintaining muscle health beyond sports nutrition for the aging consumer over 40 years old.
In his article, Dr. Theo supports this philosophy. “Preventive medicine practitioners such as myself want to teach people how to live up to their genetic potential, then die in their sleep without enduring years of disability or sickness … Success requires a clear understanding of current science, as well as how to market to the growing number of consumers and health care providers within these billion-dollar categories. As important, success will come as consumers become better informed and educated about how these healthy aging categories are interrelated.”
Read the whole article published in Natural Products Insider to learn more about musculoskeletal health.
