The popular image of someone trying to build muscle is a bodybuilder with bulging biceps. But muscle strength isn’t just for gym rats—everyone can benefit from strong, healthy muscles. In fact, in a long-term study of over 3,500 older adults, muscle mass index predicted lifespan.¹ That’s probably because muscular fitness impacts many aspects of health. 

5 Unexpected Benefits of Muscle Strength

Here are a few lesser-known ways strong muscles support whole-body wellness.

1. Better Blood Sugar Control. Studies in young, middle-aged, and older adults show that individuals with greater skeletal muscle mass have significantly healthier glucose regulation.^2,3
2. More Energy for Everyday Life. Muscle tissue stores glycogen, the primary glucose reserve for times of increased energy demand.⁴ It also produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the immediate energy source required for cellular activity.⁵
3. Improved Balance and Fewer Falls. In a study of 802 older adults, higher muscle mass was linked with better balance.⁶ Maintaining good balance is especially important for seniors as it helps prevent falls and injuries, preserving independence. 
4. Enhanced Joint Support. Strong muscles support joint integrity. When the muscles surrounding a joint have adequate strength, they act like braces to stabilize it. This reduces the load on joints and helps prevent injuries.⁷
5. Healthier Immune Response. Skeletal muscle plays an active role in immune function by producing both glutamine (a key fuel for immune cells) and IL-6 (an important immune messenger).⁸ It also supports the health of T cells, which recognize and manage immune threats.⁹

How Muscle Is Built

Protein is crucial for building and maintaining muscle. During digestion, the body breaks down protein from the diet into amino acids, which travel to muscle cells via the bloodstream. When tiny muscle fibers are torn during exercise, amino acids are used to repair them. It’s this process of rebuilding that makes muscles thicker and stronger. 

When protein and calories are consumed in adequate amounts, muscle growth occurs. Without enough protein, the body may break down existing muscle for energy instead of building new tissue. A progressive loss of muscle mass and strength is called sarcopenia—a condition that affects 5-13% of people in their sixties and up to half of those over 80.¹⁰

3 Protein Challenges

While 44% of American consumers say they’re trying to increase the amount of protein they consume, some challenges remain.¹¹

1. Taste Issues: Many high-protein sports nutrition products have an off-putting taste, causing consumers to choose lower-protein alternatives. In one survey, 58% of adults said they dislike the aftertaste of high-protein snacks.¹²
2. Protein Isn’t Always Enough. Athletes who already consume a lot of protein often seek muscle and strength improvements beyond what protein consumption alone can provide. Another survey found that 88% of those consuming performance nutrition products already maximize their protein consumption.¹³
3. Low Appetite Among Seniors. Although half of adults say muscle health is a concern when it comes to healthy aging, many seniors struggle to consume enough protein due to reduced appetite.¹⁴

All three of these challenges are effectively solved by MyoVera™—a patented muscle and strength optimizer that promotes muscle growth and strength by enhancing muscle’s ability to use protein efficiently.

The MyoVera™ Edge

A clinically studied ingredient containing two powerful forms of chromium, MyoVera™ supports amino acid uptake into muscle tissue and amplifies muscle protein synthesis—enabling the body to get the most out of every gram of protein consumed. 

MyoVera™ is for everyone, regardless of age or lifestyle:

• Consumers prioritizing an active lifestyle
• Athletes wanting to optimize strength gains
• Older adults wanting to maintain mobility, independence, and quality of life

Clinically Studied

Clinical research shows MyoVera™ makes protein work harder. When added to 6 grams of whey protein, MyoVera™ significantly increased muscle protein synthesis after exercise compared to an equivalent serving of whey protein alone.¹⁵

In an 8-week, double-blind study, researchers compared 15 grams of whey protein plus 2 grams of MyoVera™ to 30 grams of whey protein alone in 35 active men during a resistance training program. Despite consuming only half the amount of protein, the MyoVera™ group achieved:¹⁶

• More strength, increasing 1-rep max squats by an additional 20 pounds compared to the 30 gram protein-alone group.
• More muscle endurance, with an 82% greater increase in squat repetitions to failure.
• More muscle power, demonstrating more than double the improvement in vertical jump power.

Formulation Friendly

MyoVera™ is:

• Cost-effective, allowing formulations to use less protein and still deliver results
• Suitable for use in RTM powders, RTD beverages, nutrition bars, and snacks
• Flavorless, perfect for developing great-tasting high-protein foods and beverages

Discover how MyoVera™ can magnify the power of your protein forward forumulations.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

References

1. Srikanthan P, Karlamangla AS. Am J Med. 2014;127(6):547-553. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2014.02.007
2. Haines MS, Leong A, Porneala BC, Meigs JB, Miller KK. Nutr Diabetes. 2022;12(1):1-6. doi:10.1038/s41387-022-00204-4
3. Alabadi B, Civera M, De la Rosa A, Martinez-Hervas S, Gomez-Cabrera MC, Real JT. Nutrients. 2023;15(14):3167. doi:10.3390/nu15143167
4. McPherron AC, Guo T, Bond ND, Gavrilova O. Adipocyte. 2013;2(2):92-98. doi:10.4161/adip.22500
5. Baker JS, McCormick MC, Robergs RA. J Nutr Metab. 2010;2010:905612. doi:10.1155/2010/905612
6. Gouveia ÉR, Ihle A, Gouveia BR, Kliegel M, Marques A, Freitas DL. J Aging Phys Act. 2020;28(2):262-268. doi:10.1123/japa.2018-0113
7. Arthritis Foundation. 8 Ways Exercise Helps Your Joints. September 25, 2025. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/getting-started/8-ways-exercise-helps-joints
8. Rogeri PS, Gasparini SO, Martins GL, et al. Front Physiol. 2020;11:582258. doi:10.3389/fphys.2020.582258
9. Slaets H, Fonteyn L, Eijnde BO, Hellings N. Brain Behav Immun. 2023;110:237-244. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2023.03.006
10. von Haehling S, Morley JE, Anker SD. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2010;1(2):129-133. doi:10.1007/s13539-010-0014-2
11. Hamstra M. September 24, 2025. https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/launch-pad/cpg-disruptors-protein-food
12. FMCG Gurus. Sports Nutrition Survey on General Population.; 2025.
13. FMCG Gurus. Performance Nutrition.; 2023.
14. Everwell Health. Exclusive Healthy Aging Research.; 2025.
15. Ziegenfuss TN, Lopez HL, Kedia A, et al. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14(1):6. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0163-1
16. Ziegenfuss TN, Cesareo K, Raub B, et al. J Exerc Nutr. 2021;4(3). doi:10.53520/jen2021.10394