Muscle and Metabolic Effects of a Hyperproteic Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) Supplement Compared with Whey Protein Supplementation: A Study with Aging Mice

Population aging is a global demographic trend that presents significant challenges, including the loss of muscle mass, which compromises quality of life. In this scenario, nutritional supplements are effective in maintaining and restoring the health of the elderly population. Recently, Cerrado fruits, such as buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), have gained prominence in the food industry due to their high nutritional value and bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamins, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. The present experimental study involved twenty-one male C57BL/6 mice (7 per group), which received specific diets for 8 weeks: a standard AIN93-M control diet, AIN93-M with whey protein, and AIN93-M supplemented with a buriti (Mauritia flexuosa)- based hyperproteic formulation. The study aimed to compare the muscular and metabolic effects of buriti supplementation with those of conventional whey protein in aged mice. Body composition, serum biochemical parameters, gastrocnemius muscle morphology (ultrasound and histology), and grip strength performance were comprehensively evaluated to assess the functional and metabolic impact of both supplements. The buriti-based supplement induced improvements in body composition and muscle function, as evidenced by increased HDL concentrations, elevated total protein, and hypertrophy of the gastrocnemius muscle, which collectively contributed to enhanced strength and overall metabolic performance. Buriti-based hyperproteic supplement improved the metabolic parameters compared to Whey. The study concluded that buriti showed promising therapeutic potential, helping to maintain weight, strength, and muscle performance, and could be an alternative or complement to milk protein.