EAA supplementation to increase nitrogen intake improves muscle function during bed rest in the elderly.

Background & Aims: Older individuals are more likely to experience extended hospitalization and become protein malnourished during hospitalization. The concomitant compulsory inactivity results in functional decline. Increasing protein intake in hospitalized patients improves nitrogen balance, but effects on function are unknown.

Alterations in protein metabolism during space flight and inactivity.

Space flight and the accompanying diminished muscular activity lead to a loss of body nitrogen and muscle function. These losses may affect crew capabilities and health in long-duration missions. Space flight alters protein metabolism such that the body is unable to maintain protein synthetic rates.