Aging is a natural process that affects every aspect of health, including muscle mass. Maintaining muscle is crucial for the overall health of older people, or those getting on in years, as it helps prevent falls, improve mobility and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis and diabetes. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound extracted from hemp that is credited with many properties, although no health claim is authorized for it. Some suggest that it could help maintain muscle in older people. In this article, we will look at what research really says, what truly preserves muscles, and the precautions to know.
I. CBD and muscles: what research says
A. The hypotheses put forward
Studies, mostly preclinical, are exploring anti-inflammatory and pain-related effects of CBD; some infer from this that it could make physical exercise easier, but this has not been demonstrated. The idea that CBD would increase the production of anabolic hormones is not based on any solid evidence.
B. Available studies on cannabidiol and muscle
Today there are very few studies on the effects of CBD on muscle mass in seniors. The few studies cited concern animals, such as aged mice, and cannot be transposed to humans. Trials on muscle recovery after resistance exercise, in younger people, have produced mixed results that do not allow any conclusion to be drawn.
C. The mechanisms mentioned by researchers
Researchers mention several mechanisms, all of them hypothetical. CBD acts indirectly on the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating the inflammatory response and pain. A link with sleep, and therefore recovery, is also mentioned, without established evidence. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body during sleep. This hormone is essential for regulating the biological cycles of sleep and wakefulness, known as the circadian rhythm. It is secreted by the body in the dark. No effect of CBD on sleep disorders or on hormone production has been demonstrated in humans.
II. Maintaining muscle mass as you age, and the place of CBD
A. What really preserves muscles
What has proven effective against age-related muscle loss is regular physical activity, particularly suitable strength training, and sufficient protein intake. As for CBD drops, capsules or gummies, these are products to swallow that are not authorized as foods in the European Union (Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283), and their sale is illegal in France.
B. Quality of CBD products: the criteria
For CBD products authorized for sale, several criteria make it possible to judge their quality:
- The origin of the plant: Make sure that the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa) used to make the product was grown organically and without the use of harmful chemicals.
- The CBD content: The cannabidiol content must be stated on the product label, as well as the THC content.
- The extraction method: It is preferable to choose products made using a clean extraction method, such as supercritical CO2 extraction, which does not use chemicals.
- Certifications and laboratory tests: A quality CBD product should have been tested in a laboratory to make sure that it contains the amount of CBD stated on the label and that it is free of contaminants. It is preferable to choose products that have quality certifications or that have been tested by independent laboratories.
C. What is the difference between cannabis and CBD?
Cannabis is a plant that contains several active components, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Cannabis represents a family of plants:
- Cannabis Sativa, also known as hemp. It is a tall, thin plant with long leaves and is generally grown for industrial uses such as fiber and seed oil (rich in protein). It is very rich in CBD and contains no more than 0.3% THC in accordance with French legislation.
- Cannabis Indica is a subspecies of the cannabis plant, also known as marijuana. It is a shorter, bushier plant with broad leaves and is generally grown for its psychoactive properties. The active ingredient in cannabis indica is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for certain alterations of the mind when consumed. It is also known for having a significant sedative effect. The cultivation and sale of products derived from Cannabis Indica are prohibited in most countries around the world.
- Cannabis Ruderalis is a subspecies of the cannabis plant, also known as wild hemp or ditch weed. It is a small, hardy plant generally found in the wild and known for its low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is sometimes grown for its fibers, notably in Asia.
THC is psychoactive, which means it can produce euphoric effects or a "high" when consumed. CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive; its effects on anxiety or pain are being studied, without having been demonstrated. Cannabis-based products containing THC are illegal in many countries; in France, CBD-based products are authorized for sale under certain conditions.
D. Precautions, especially for older people
No dose of CBD has been validated for maintaining muscle mass. In older people, who often take several medicines, caution is called for: CBD can interact with certain treatments (anticoagulants, antiepileptics, among others) and cause drowsiness or digestive problems, which increases the risk of falling. CBD is not a medicine: if you have a health problem, ask a doctor for advice.
III. Muscles and aging: physical activity before CBD
We have seen that the effects attributed to CBD on muscles (anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, hormonal) have not been demonstrated, and that products to swallow are not authorized as foods. To stay fit, suitable physical activity and a protein-rich diet remain your best allies.
It is important to note that research on the effects of CBD on maintaining muscle mass in older people is still in its infancy.
