Research

Macro partitioning

Supplementation with Essential Amino Acids (EAA, 20g twice daily) starting one week before and continuing two weeks after Total Knee Replacement (TKR) reduces quadriceps muscle atrophy and accelerates functional mobility recovery.

If you are having knee replacement surgery, ask your doctor or dietitian about taking Essential Amino Acid (EAA) supplements. The study suggests starting 20g of EAAs twice daily one week before surgery and continuing for two weeks after. This may help preserve your leg muscle strength and help you move better faster than standard care alone.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Patients who received essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation (20 g) prior to TKR were reported to have reduced muscle atrophy and accelerated return of functional mobility, compared to those who received a placebo supplement
Louise Burgess et al. · Nutrients · 2018

Why this rating

Based on one pilot RCT (n=28) with low sample size, but clear positive findings.

Source

What Is the Role of Nutritional Supplements in Support of Total Hip Replacement and Total Knee Replacement Surgeries? A Systematic Review

Louise Burgess et al. · Nutrients · 2018

systematic_reviewCited 56×
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