JustOT, Occupational Therapy Jobs

Bodybuilding supplement 'could improve muscular dystrophy symptoms'

Tuesday 22nd November 2011

A bodybuilding health supplement could be instrumental when it comes to treating a life-threatening form of muscular dystrophy, potentially altering the treatment given by those in occupational therapy jobs.

A study from the University of New South Wales revealed that amino acid L-tyrosine had a "rapid and dramatic impact" on Nemaline Myopathy (NM).

In experiments on mice, the treatment was found to significantly improve the symptoms of the muscle wasting disease.

It was found that consuming L-tyrosine was able to significantly improve muscle strength and mobility in the condition.

These findings will now be used as a basis for a clinical trial which will test the supplement in children.

"This is the first clear demonstration that L-tyrosine supplements can significantly reduce both the clinical and pathological features of NM," Professor Edna Hardeman said.

Children with NM experience delayed motor development and weakness in the arms and legs, trunk, throat and face muscles.

Written by Alex Franklin Stortford