Human Studies Investigating Epicatechin in Muscular Functions in Older Adults

The main ingredient in the dietetic health supplement EP-11® by APOC Science, is supported by 11 human clinical trials and a meta-analysis that demonstrate its inhibitory effect on myostatin. Among these studies, four specifically investigate the impact of daily epicatechin supplementation on muscle parameters in older adults. Consistently, all studies have reported significant improvements in muscle strength and health in older adults who supplement daily with epicatechin.

n = number of participants in the trial

In a study of 67 adults over the age of 60, 33 participants supplemented with 130 mg of epicatechin daily for 80 days, while the other 34 were assigned to a placebo group. The group supplementing with epicatechin experienced, on average, a 9% increase in muscular strength compared to the placebo group, a 1% increase in handgrip strength, and a slight increase in muscle mass. The group supplementing with epicatechin also saw significant improvements in their myostatin ratio.

This study was published in Antioxidants .

In a study involving 62 adults aged 65 to 72, participants were supplemented daily with 75 mg of epicatechin for eight weeks. Of these, 15 individuals supplemented with epicatechin without engaging in any exercise, while 17 supplemented with epicatechin in conjunction with a resistance training regime. The remaining 25 received a placebo to serve as a control group. All 37 participants who took epicatechin experienced a significant increase in muscle mass, including those who did not exercise. Both groups supplementing with epicatechin also saw significant improvements in their myostatin ratio.

This study was published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity .

Six adults aged between 35 and 46 were given a daily supplement of 50 mg of epicatechin for a duration of seven days. Following the supplementation period, the average hand grip strength of all participants increased by 7%, and their myostatin ratio improved by an average of 49%.

This study was published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry .

Five adults aged 47 to 71, supplemented with 100 mg of epicatechin daily for three months. After this period, there was a significant decrease in myostatin levels, and remarkable improvements were seen in cardiovascular fitness and endurance, as measured by VO₂max.

This study was published in Clinical Science.