Muscle health and supplements: what science really says

When it comes to muscle supplements, people immediately think of athletes. In fact, muscle health affects everyone: it is essential for moving easily, maintaining independence, preventing frailty, and ensuring a good quality of life over time.

Yet, most adults lead a sedentary lifestyle, which has a direct impact on strength, endurance, and muscle mass. For this reason, there is growing interest in the role of supplements even in non-athletic people, especially in some more exposed categories:

• sedentary people
• frail individuals or those with chronic conditions
• older adults
• women in peri- or post-menopause

Muscle health: not just mass, but function

A recent scientific review comprehensively analyzed muscle health, considering several aspects:

• strength and endurance
• muscle mass
• ability to perform daily activities
• recovery after exertion
• reduction of muscle soreness

This approach highlights a key point: it is not just about “how much muscle” we have, but how well it works.

The role of inflammation and nutrition

One of the central elements emerging from research is the role of inflammation in the processes that regulate:

• the muscle response to exertion
• recovery
• adaptation to nutrients

Chronic inflammation, even low-grade, can impair muscle function over time, especially as people age.

In this context, nutrition plays a fundamental role, as does supplementation in cases of deficiencies or increased needs.

Supplements: useful but not miraculous

Supplements can represent an interesting support, but it is important to maintain realistic expectations.

According to the review:

• some substances, alone or in combination, can contribute to muscle well-being
• the benefits are more evident when combined with physical activity
• their effectiveness in the “real world” still needs more solid confirmation

In other words: supplements do not replace movement and nutrition, but can complement them strategically.

The new protagonist: the gut-muscle axis

An emerging area of research is the so-called gut-muscle axis. The gut microbiota appears to influence:

• energy metabolism
• inflammation
• muscle response

This opens new perspectives on the importance of an integrated approach that considers not only the muscle, but the entire organism.

Safety and conscious use

Supplements are generally considered safe, but it is important to remember that:

• they are not regulated like medicines
• quality can vary greatly between products
• dosages and methods of use must be respected

For correct use, it is always advisable to:

• follow the instructions provided
• consult a doctor in case of medical conditions or therapies
• choose products from reliable companies

Muscle health is a fundamental pillar of well-being at every age. Science recognizes a possible role for supplements, but always within a broader strategy that includes:

• regular physical activity
• a balanced diet
• a healthy lifestyle

Supplements can offer concrete help, especially in the presence of deficiencies or specific needs, but the real difference is built every day, with conscious choices that are sustainable over time.

Fisiodyn: an integrated and scientific approach

In this scenario comes Fisiodyn, a supplement developed as an integrated system for musculoskeletal support, the result of research by the International Institute for Clinical Research and Analysis (IICRA), a university spin-off.

Its formulation is based on a synergistic combination of:

• Oleuropein (200 mg per day)
  a powerful olive polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action
• Polydatin (50 mg per day)
  derived from resveratrol, with protective effects on cells and metabolism
• Vitamin D3
  essential for muscle function and calcium absorption
• Vitamin K2
  essential for maintaining normal bones

What research says about Fisiodyn

A study published in Biomolecules (2025) analyzed the combination of oleuropein and polydatin, highlighting biologically relevant effects on:

• muscle cells
• bone cells
• the vitamin D receptor (VDR), crucial for metabolism

This combination acts as a true “integrated system”, capable of influencing the cellular mechanisms involved in musculoskeletal health.

The goal is to counteract conditions such as osteosarcopenia, an age-related disorder that combines loss of muscle mass and bone fragility.

Why choose targeted supplementation

Unlike many generic products, Fisiodyn stands out for:

• effective dosages difficult to achieve with nutrition alone
• patented formulation
• clear scientific rationale
• combined action on muscles and bones

It is particularly indicated for:

• sedentary people
• adults over 50 years old
• menopausal women
• individuals with increased nutritional needs
• those who want to prevent muscle decline

Supplements: yes, but thoughtfully

It is important to remember that:

• supplements do not replace a balanced diet
• should be taken in the recommended doses
• it is always useful to consult a doctor if you have any medical conditions

The foundation remains:

• regular physical activity
• adequate nutrition
• a healthy lifestyle

Science has not yet identified a single, definitive solution for muscle health. However, some advanced formulations such as Fisiodyn are currently one of the most interesting and promising options, thanks to their scientific basis and integrated approach.

Taking care of your muscles means investing in your autonomy, energy, and quality of life, today and in the years to come.

Sarcopenia: how diet and supplementation can help preserve muscle

As we age, maintaining good muscle health becomes a priority. Sarcopenia, or the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, is an increasingly common condition among older adults and is one of the main causes of frailty, reduced autonomy, and the risk of falls and fractures.

But the good news is that diet and supplementation can play a concrete role in slowing this process.

What is sarcopenia and why is it important to prevent it

Sarcopenia does not only involve muscle loss, but also affects several aspects of health:

• reduced strength and endurance
• decreased basal metabolism
• worsened insulin sensitivity
• increased risk of disability

For this reason, early intervention is essential to maintain quality of life and independence over time.

The key role of diet

Numerous studies show that proper nutrition is one of the pillars of sarcopenia prevention.

In particular, the following are protective:

• fruit and vegetables, rich in antioxidants
• plant-based proteins, useful for maintaining muscle
• whole grains, a source of stable energy
• nuts and seeds, rich in essential nutrients

An interesting nutritional model is the so-called Biomolecular Diet, which includes:

• high consumption of plant-based foods
• use of vegetable oils rich in essential fatty acids (flaxseed, borage, evening primrose, cumin)
• supplementation with herbs and natural teas

This approach aims to provide the body with all the micronutrients necessary to support cellular processes, including those related to muscles.

Vitamin D: essential for muscles and bones

Vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients for muscle health, especially in older adults.

Adequate levels of vitamin D contribute to:

• improved muscle function
• support for balance and posture
• reduced risk of falls

In individuals with deficiency (levels below 50 nmol/L), supplementation combined with physical exercise has been shown to significantly improve physical performance compared to exercise alone.

However, exceeding optimal levels does not appear to provide additional benefits: the goal is therefore to achieve and maintain the correct balance.

Omega 3, 6 and 9: support for muscle mass

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9), found in vegetable oils such as flaxseed, borage and evening primrose, are increasingly studied for their role in muscle health.

Evidence suggests that they can:

• help preserve muscle mass
• counteract age-related decline
• modulate inflammatory processes

This makes them valuable support, especially within the context of a balanced diet.

Essential minerals: magnesium and selenium

Some micronutrients also play an important role:

• Magnesium: involved in muscle function and energy metabolism
• Selenium: a powerful antioxidant, useful for protecting cells from oxidative stress

An adequate supply of these minerals can help maintain muscle mass and function.

Sarcopenia is not an inevitable fate. Through a combination of:

• a rich and balanced diet
• adequate supplementation
• regular physical activity

it is possible to preserve muscle mass and maintain autonomy and well-being even as the years pass.

Taking care of your muscles today means investing in your quality of life tomorrow.

 A Study of the Effects of Oleuropein and Polydatin Association on Muscle and Bone Metabolism. Maria Beatrice Morelli, Cristina Aguzzi, Riccardo Rascioni and Fiorenzo Mignini. Biomolecules 2025 Apr 28; 15(5):628.

 Study conducted by researchers from several British universities. Brough L, Rees G, Drummond-Clarke L, et al. Can Dietary Supplements Support Muscle Function and Physical Activity? A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2025 Nov 6;17(21):3495.