Introduction:The latest international research has found that trigonelline, a naturally occurring compound in coffee, may help boost NAD+ levels in the body and improve mitochondrial function, thereby maintaining muscle strength and slowing age-related muscle decline. Published in Nature Metabolism, the study suggests that moderate coffee consumption could be a new option for helping to prevent sarcopenia. However, experts also caution that while coffee can be beneficial as a supplement, regular exercise and a balanced diet remain key.

You may know that coffee can help you stay alert, but did you know? According to a recent multinational study, trigonelline — a natural plant alkaloid found in coffee — may also have positive effects on muscle health and help slow down age-related muscle deterioration.

This study, published in Nature Metabolism, a sub-journal of Nature, shows that trigonelline can act as a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), helping to increase NAD+ levels in human cells, thereby enhancing mitochondrial function and maintaining muscle vitality. In simple terms, it helps cells produce energy more efficiently and reduces the risk of muscle loss as we age.

The research was conducted by an expert team from institutions including the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, National University of Singapore, University of Southampton in the UK, University of Melbourne in Australia, Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, University of South Alabama in the US, Toyama University in Japan, and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. The team focused on the pathological mechanisms of sarcopenia and found that patients with this condition generally had lower levels of trigonelline.

Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by the loss of muscle mass and strength with aging. One of the contributing factors is the decline in NAD+ levels, which weakens mitochondrial function, leading to insufficient cellular energy production and ultimately affecting normal muscle operation and maintenance. Trigonelline, by increasing NAD+ levels, can help maintain mitochondrial health and thus support muscle function.

The study further discovered that trigonelline, which naturally occurs in coffee beans, not only supports muscle health but may also play a role in the nervous system. Animal experiments have shown that trigonelline helps maintain the function of nerve cells and may even improve memory and learning abilities, demonstrating its multifaceted anti-aging potential.

So, how much trigonelline do you need to intake to see benefits? Although the study did not specify an exact “recommended daily intake,”experts point out that drinking about 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day (approximately 240 to 480 milliliters) can provide a certain level of trigonelline, which may help deliver its potential health benefits. Of course, actual effects can vary by individual and are also related to the roast level and brewing method of the coffee.

However, the researchers also specifically emphasized thatcoffee is only a supplementary measure, not a cure-all. To truly maintain muscle health, the key lies in a balanced diet and regular resistance training, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, which can effectively stimulate muscle growth and preserve muscle mass.

Additionally, while coffee is generally safe for most people, excessive consumption may lead to side effects such as insomnia, heart palpitations, or stomach discomfort. It’s recommended to adjust intake based on personal circumstances and avoid over-relying on coffee in pursuit of health benefits.

In summary, this study offers coffee lovers a new perspective on health: beyond its energizing effects, the trigonelline in coffee may help slow down muscle aging — especially when it comes to age-related muscle decline — providing a noteworthy natural option. However, maintaining muscle health and vitality still requires a healthy lifestyle overall.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.