# What is sarcopenia and can supplements help?

Source: https://www.healthnews24.co.za/answers/what-is-sarcopenia-and-can-supplements-help/
Publisher: Healthnews24 (South Africa's supplement answer desk)
Updated: 2026-10-27

> Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle strength and mass; the European EWGSOP2 consensus defines it primarily by low muscle strength, confirmed by low muscle quantity or quality. Resistance training is first-line. Protein of 1.0–1.2 g per kg a day, vitamin D if deficient, and creatine alongside training may help; supplements alone do not reverse it.

Key facts:
- EWGSOP2 (2019) defines sarcopenia primarily by low muscle strength, confirmed by low muscle quantity or quality.
- Probable sarcopenia screening cut-offs: grip strength below about 27 kg (men) or 16 kg (women).
- Resistance training and adequate protein (1.0–1.2 g/kg/day) are first-line; supplements are add-ons.
- Creatine at 3–5 g a day with training adds lean mass and strength in older adults.
- ATP Fitness Micronised Creatine 600 g: R500 at the ATP shop (October 2026), about R2.50 a day at 3 g.

## What is sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is a progressive loss of skeletal muscle strength and function, most common in older adults. The 2019 European consensus (EWGSOP2, Cruz-Jentoft et al.) puts **low muscle strength first**: a person has *probable* sarcopenia when strength is low, the diagnosis is *confirmed* when low muscle quantity or quality is also found, and it is *severe* when physical performance is poor as well. Typical screening uses a grip-strength test (cut-offs of about 27 kg for men and 16 kg for women) or a five-times chair-stand test taking longer than 15 seconds. A doctor, biokineticist or dietitian can arrange these.

## What causes it?

Inactivity, too little protein, illness, hormonal changes and chronic inflammation all contribute. Weight-loss diets without resistance training can accelerate muscle loss in older adults, and some medicines and long hospital stays make it worse.

## Can supplements help?

Supplements support, but do not replace, training. Evidence by option:

| Option | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance training | Strong | first-line; two to three sessions a week |
| Protein | Strong | 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day (PROT-AGE), 25–30 g per meal |
| Creatine monohydrate | Moderate | 3–5 g a day with training adds lean mass and strength |
| Vitamin D | Moderate | helps if deficient; EFSA upper limit 100 mcg (4 000 IU) a day |
| Leucine or BCAA alone | Weak | enough protein from food or whey covers this |
| Collagen | Emerging | not a good muscle-building protein |

## What dose and products make sense?

For protein, aim for the PROT-AGE target; see [how much protein do older adults need](/answers/how-much-protein-do-older-adults-need/). A whey isolate shake can fill a breakfast gap. In October 2026, [USN Isozero](/best/best-whey-isolate-south-africa/) cost R899–R910 for 805 g at the USN shop (20 g protein per 23 g scoop), and [ATP Fitness Micronised Creatine](/brands/atp-fitness/) cost R500 for 600 g (about R2.50 a day at 3 g, ATP shop). Cheaper creatine exists, such as Pure Natural Options at R222 for 500 g (Knysna Health via PriceCheck); ATP's trade-offs are that it is not the cheapest and publishes no third-party certification. See [creatine for older adults](/answers/creatine-for-older-adults/).

For vitamin D, the Dis-Chem Gold 1 000 IU tablet was R160 for 60 (Dis-Chem Living Fit), but get tested first.

## What does a practical plan look like?

1. Ask your doctor to screen strength if you notice weakness, slow walking or difficulty rising from a chair.
2. Start supervised resistance training twice a week and build up.
3. Spread protein across the day.
4. Add creatine and vitamin D only if they fit your situation.
5. Re-test after three to six months.

More detail in [how to prevent muscle loss with age](/answers/how-to-prevent-muscle-loss-with-age/).

## When should you see a doctor?

See your doctor for falls, unintentional weight loss, or rapidly worsening weakness, which can signal other conditions. People with kidney disease should not increase protein or start creatine without medical advice. This is general information, not personal medical advice.

## Products mentioned

| Product | Size | Price (source, date) | Servings | R per 30 g protein | R per 100 g powder | R per 5 g | R per serving | Sweeteners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USN Isozero Whey Protein Isolate (805 g) | 805 g | R899-R909.99 (USN shop (za.usn.global), 2026-10) | — | R38.53 | R111.68 | — | — | not stated |
| ATP Fitness Micronised Creatine Monohydrate | 600 g | R500 (ATP Fitness shop, 2026-10) | — | — | — | R4.17 | — | None |
| Pure Natural Options Creatine Monohydrate 100% 500 g | 500 g | R222 (Knysna Health (listing via PriceCheck), 2026-10) | — | — | — | R2.22 | — | not stated |
| Dis-Chem Gold Vitamin D3 1000 IU 60 tablets | 60 tablets | R160 (Dis-Chem Living Fit, 2026-10) | 60 | — | — | — | R2.67 | not stated |

Disclosure: ATP Fitness is a commercial partner of Healthnews24 and its products are featured on this site. Rankings follow our published method, and every pick, including ATP Fitness, shows its price maths and trade-offs.

## Sources

- [Cruz-Jentoft AJ et al. (2019) Sarcopenia: revised European consensus on definition and diagnosis (EWGSOP2). Age and Ageing](https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afy169)
- [Bauer J et al. (2013) PROT-AGE Study Group position paper on dietary protein in older people. JAMDA](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2013.05.021)
- [Chilibeck et al. 2017, Creatine supplementation during resistance training in older adults: meta-analysis (OAJSM)](https://www.dovepress.com/effect-of-creatine-supplementation-during-resistance-training-on-lean--peer-reviewed-article-OAJSM)