Evaluation of the JUICE HA® as an Anti-sarcopenia

This study plans to recruit 60 participants aged 65 years and older who have been diagnosed with sarcopenia by a physician. Participants will be randomly assigned into JUICE HA® supplement and placebo group. All of the participants will be asked to take 15 mL/day of JUICE HA® supplement or placebo group for 12 weeks. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the potential of JUICE HA® to enhance physiological status (muscle mass and functional fitness) and to improve the quality of life in patients with sarcopenia.

JUICE HA® is a nutritional supplement formulated with hyaluronic acid (HA), branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), and chondroitin. Hyaluronic acid contributes to enhancing hydration levels in the skin and connective tissues; BCAA promotes muscle protein synthesis and repair; and chondroitin is believed to support the structural integrity and functionality of joints. The synergistic combination of these components is anticipated to provide comprehensive, multidimensional support for individuals with sarcopenia, potentially alleviating symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Therefore, this study will explore 15 mL/day of JUICE HA® supplement to improve the muscle mass and functional fitness in the elderly with sarcopenia. This study aims to recruit 60 participants aged 65 years and older who have been diagnosed with sarcopenia by a physician and meet the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 diagnostic criteria. Participants will be enrolled in a randomized control-group pretest-posttest design and randomly assigned to receive either the JUICE HA® supplement or a placebo (Lin et al., 2021). Functional fitness assessments, the Sarcopenia Quality of Life questionnaire (SarQoL), and blood sample collections will be conducted at baseline, at the 6th and 12th weeks of the supplementation period, and at the 6th and 12th weeks of the follow-up period. Blood samples will be analyzed for oxidative stress markers (SOD, MDA), inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-10), and muscle synthesis and degradation indicators (mTOR, MuRF1, atrogin-1). Body composition assessments will be performed at baseline, at the 12th week of the supplementation period, and at the 12th week of the follow-up period.