Question 1

What is Low Muscle Mass?

Accepted Answer

Low muscle mass is a condition characterized by decreased skeletal muscle tissue, known as sarcopenia when age-related. It is caused by aging, malnutrition, chronic diseases, hormonal imbalances, physical inactivity, or muscle-wasting conditions like muscular dystrophy. The AspirinWorks 11-Dehydrothromboxane B2 with Creatinine test is the most important test for assessing muscle mass because creatinine levels directly reflect the amount of muscle tissue in the body.

Question 2

What causes low muscle mass?

Accepted Answer

Low muscle mass is caused by several factors including aging, inadequate protein intake, physical inactivity, chronic diseases, and hormonal imbalances affecting testosterone or growth hormone levels. Conditions like muscular dystrophy, cancer, kidney disease, and chronic inflammatory diseases accelerate muscle breakdown. Prolonged bed rest, severe calorie restriction, and malabsorption disorders that prevent proper nutrient absorption also contribute to muscle loss. The natural aging process after age 30 leads to progressive muscle decline at about 3-8% per decade, accelerating after age 60.

Question 3

What is the best test for low muscle mass?

Accepted Answer

The AspirinWorks 11-Dehydrothromboxane B2 with Creatinine test is the most important blood test for assessing low muscle mass because it measures creatinine levels, which directly correlate with total muscle tissue in the body. Creatinine is a waste product produced during normal muscle metabolism, so lower creatinine levels suggest reduced muscle mass. This test is particularly useful for tracking muscle changes over time due to aging, malnutrition, or muscle-wasting conditions like muscular dystrophy. While imaging studies like DEXA scans provide direct muscle measurement, blood creatinine testing offers an accessible and cost-effective way to monitor muscle health and identify individuals who may need further evaluation.

Question 4

When should I get tested for low muscle mass?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice unexplained weight loss, increasing weakness or difficulty performing daily activities like climbing stairs or carrying groceries, frequent falls or balance problems, or visible muscle shrinkage. Adults over 60 should consider testing as part of routine health monitoring since age-related muscle loss accelerates significantly after this age. Testing is also important if you have chronic diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer, follow a restricted diet, or experience prolonged periods of inactivity or bed rest.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of low muscle mass?

Accepted Answer

Low muscle mass symptoms include decreased strength making it harder to lift objects or perform routine tasks, increased fatigue during physical activities, poor balance and coordination leading to falls, visible reduction in muscle size particularly in arms and legs, slower walking speed, difficulty rising from chairs without assistance, and unexplained weight loss. People may also experience decreased metabolism, increased body fat percentage even without weight gain, reduced bone density, and longer recovery times from illness or injury.

Question 6

Who is at risk for low muscle mass?

Accepted Answer

Adults over 60 are at highest risk due to age-related muscle decline, with risk increasing significantly after 70. Individuals with sedentary lifestyles, inadequate protein intake below 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight daily, chronic diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, heart failure, or cancer, and those taking corticosteroids long-term face elevated risk. People recovering from prolonged hospitalization or bed rest, those with eating disorders or malabsorption conditions, postmenopausal women due to declining estrogen, and men with low testosterone levels are also at increased risk for developing low muscle mass.

Question 7

What happens if low muscle mass is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated low muscle mass leads to progressive physical disability and loss of independence, significantly increasing fall risk and bone fractures. It causes metabolic complications including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, as muscle tissue is crucial for glucose metabolism. Reduced muscle mass increases mortality risk from all causes, particularly in older adults, and impairs immune function making you more susceptible to infections. It leads to decreased quality of life, social isolation due to mobility limitations, increased risk of hospitalization, longer recovery times from illness or surgery, and eventual need for assisted living or long-term care.

Question 8

Can low muscle mass be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Low muscle mass cannot be definitively diagnosed with blood tests alone, but blood work provides valuable supportive information. The creatinine blood test serves as an indirect marker since creatinine production is proportional to muscle mass, so lower levels may indicate reduced muscle tissue. Blood tests can also identify underlying causes like vitamin D deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, testosterone or growth hormone deficiency, and inflammatory markers suggesting chronic disease. Definitive diagnosis typically requires imaging studies like DEXA scans, bioelectrical impedance analysis, or CT/MRI scans combined with physical assessment, but blood testing helps guide further evaluation and monitor treatment response.

Question 9

How is low muscle mass treated?

Accepted Answer

Low muscle mass treatment centers on progressive resistance training 2-3 times weekly targeting all major muscle groups, which stimulates muscle protein synthesis and rebuilds tissue. Adequate protein intake of 1.0-1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight daily, distributed across meals, is essential for muscle repair and growth. Treatment may include correcting underlying deficiencies like vitamin D or addressing hormonal imbalances with testosterone replacement if appropriate. Treating underlying chronic diseases, ensuring adequate calorie intake, and working with physical therapists to develop safe exercise programs are crucial. In severe cases, medications like anabolic agents may be considered under medical supervision.

Question 10

How can I prevent low muscle mass?

Accepted Answer

Prevent low muscle mass by engaging in regular resistance training at least twice weekly, including exercises like weightlifting, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises. Consume adequate protein with every meal, aiming for 25-30 grams per meal, especially after age 50 when protein needs increase. Stay physically active throughout the day, avoiding prolonged sitting, and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supporting muscle health. Ensure adequate vitamin D levels through sunlight exposure or supplementation, manage chronic health conditions effectively, maintain healthy body weight, get sufficient sleep for muscle recovery, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption which interferes with muscle protein synthesis.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with low muscle mass?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches to support muscle mass include consuming protein-rich whole foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and Greek yogurt throughout the day. Creatine monohydrate supplementation at 3-5 grams daily has strong evidence for enhancing muscle mass and strength when combined with resistance training. Vitamin D supplementation improves muscle function, especially in deficient individuals. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may help reduce age-related muscle loss. Branched-chain amino acids, particularly leucine-rich foods like whey protein, stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Adequate hydration, stress management through yoga or meditation, and ensuring 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly support muscle recovery and growth naturally.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Low Muscle Mass Blood Test

What is Low Muscle Mass?

What causes low muscle mass?

What is the best test for low muscle mass?

When should I get tested for low muscle mass?

References

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