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الوسم: muscle

  • AI scans uncover secret fat associated with hypertension and diabetes

    AI scans uncover secret fat associated with hypertension and diabetes

    Researchers in Germany have uncovered that a concealed type of fat located deep within muscles could indicate serious health risks long before any symptoms become apparent. Using MRI scans combined with artificial intelligence, scientists identified strong correlations between this hidden muscle fat and conditions such as hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, and abnormal blood sugar.

    This research, published in the medical journal Radiology, involved over 11,000 adults who had no major illnesses at the time of the study. Traditionally, healthcare providers have assessed health risks mainly by body weight and visible fat. However, emerging evidence suggests that the location of fat storage inside the body is equally important as the amount of fat carried.

    Intermuscular fat, which accumulates between muscle fibers and around muscles deep within the body, is one such important form. Unlike visceral fat—fat around the organs—or subcutaneous fat beneath the skin, intermuscular fat isn’t easily visible without imaging technologies like MRI.

    Scientists now believe this hidden fat could quietly influence metabolism, blood vessels, inflammation, and overall heart health. The study was led by Dr. Sebastian Ziegelmayer from the Technical University of Munich. The team aimed to determine whether muscle composition, specifically, could serve as an indicator of hidden cardiometabolic risks—conditions involving the heart, blood vessels, blood sugar, metabolism, and cholesterol, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

    Muscles are more than just tissue used for movement and strength. They play a key role in managing blood sugar, processing energy, and controlling inflammation throughout the body. To explore this further, researchers examined full-body MRI scans from 11,348 adults who had no diagnosed major health issues, making it possible to identify hidden risks in seemingly healthy individuals.

    The average age of participants was 43, with about 57% being men. The study focused on the paraspinal muscles, located alongside the spine from the neck to the pelvis—muscles vital for stabilizing the body and maintaining posture. Using advanced deep learning algorithms, the team automatically analyzed the MRI images. This form of artificial intelligence recognizes patterns in data to make accurate predictions and assessments.

    This method measured both lean muscle tissue and intermuscular fat—an analysis that previously required hours of manual review by specialists. With AI, thousands of scans could be assessed efficiently. These imaging results were then compared to participants’ health data, including blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol levels, and exercise habits.

    The results revealed that hidden health risks are quite common. Over 16% of participants had undiagnosed high blood pressure, roughly 8.5% showed abnormal blood sugar levels, and nearly 46% had unhealthy lipid profiles—faulty levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Further analysis showed that individuals with higher amounts of intermuscular fat were significantly more likely to have these conditions.

    Even after adjusting for age, sex, physical activity, and the location of the study, the connection remained strong. Interestingly, the study suggested that healthy lean muscle might offer some protection against these risks, especially in men. Men with greater muscle mass generally had a lower risk of cardiometabolic issues.

    In women, the relationship appeared more complex. Researchers observed that women’s lean muscle mass stayed fairly stable until around age 40 to 50—a decline possibly linked to menopause and reduced estrogen levels. Additionally, less physically active individuals tended to have more hidden fat and less lean muscle, reinforcing prior research that regular exercise can enhance muscle health and metabolic function.

    The findings hint that MRI scans could become useful tools for early detection of disease risks. Since MRIs are already used for various medical reasons, doctors might soon be able to glean additional health insights from existing scans. For example, an MRI ordered for a spinal issue could potentially also reveal early signs of heart disease or diabetes.

    This approach could enable healthcare providers to identify at-risk individuals much earlier, even when standard tests appear normal. The study also highlights the expanding role of artificial intelligence in modern healthcare, with AI systems increasingly used for image analysis, risk prediction, and earlier diagnosis.

    Still, researchers caution that more research is necessary before routine clinical use. The current study established a correlation but did not prove that muscle fat directly causes these health issues. Nonetheless, given the large sample size and consistent findings, the implications are significant.

    Overall, the study suggests that muscle composition might offer vital clues about long-term health, with hidden fat inside muscles potentially serving as an early warning sign for future cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. For those concerned about high blood pressure, exploring dietary recommendations and foods that help manage blood pressure could be beneficial.

  • The Truth About Creatine: What the Popular Supplement Really Does

    The Truth About Creatine: What the Popular Supplement Really Does

    Creatine ranks among the most widely used supplements globally. It’s often associated with athletes, gyms, and muscle growth, but its benefits extend far beyond fitness. Creatine is a naturally occurring compound in the body that plays a critical role in how cells generate energy.

    Extensive research over the years indicates that creatine may support not only physical performance but also brain health and certain medical conditions. The body naturally produces creatine primarily in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, synthesizing it from amino acids—small molecules that form proteins.

    Once produced, creatine enters the bloodstream and is transported to various tissues, predominantly muscles where it’s stored in greatest quantities. About 95% of the body’s creatine resides in skeletal muscles, with the remaining stored in organs such as the brain and heart.

    Within cells, creatine is converted into phosphocreatine, a form crucial for rapid energy production. The body’s main energy currency is ATP (adenosine triphosphate). When energy is used, ATP is broken down, leaving ADP (adenosine diphosphate). Phosphocreatine supplies the phosphate group needed to regenerate ATP, especially during short bursts of intense activity like sprinting or lifting heavy weights.

    After its energy role, creatine is converted into a waste product called creatinine, which is filtered out by the kidneys through urine. The body meticulously regulates creatine levels, with a natural limit. Excess supplementation beyond this capacity does not yield additional benefits, as any surplus is simply excreted.

    Many individuals supplement with creatine, typically in the form of creatine monohydrate—the most researched and proven to elevate muscle creatine stores. This supplementation can enhance strength, power, and overall workout performance. It’s important to note that creatine is not a steroid; it doesn’t directly promote muscle growth but rather provides the energy needed for more effective training.

    Researchers are also exploring potential additional benefits of creatine. Some studies suggest it might improve memory, mood, and cognitive speed, particularly in older adults or those with lower creatine levels. There’s ongoing interest in whether it could aid conditions like Parkinson’s disease or depression, but further research is necessary to confirm these possibilities.

    Creatine can be taken in different ways. Some people initiate supplementation with a higher dose to quickly boost levels in the body—often called the loading phase—while others prefer a smaller, consistent daily dose that gradually builds up. Absorption can vary based on individual factors, diet, and the amount taken.

    Overall, creatine is one of the most thoroughly studied supplements, with strong evidence supporting its role in enhancing physical performance and potential benefits for brain health. Yet, it’s not a cure-all; optimal results are achieved when combined with proper exercise, balanced nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle.

    Reviewing scientific studies shows solid backing for creatine’s function in energy production and athletic performance. Evidence for other health advantages remains promising but limited, and response to supplementation varies from person to person. For most healthy individuals, safety concerns are minimal, though cautious use is advised, particularly for those with existing health issues. Ultimately, creatine is best viewed as a useful tool to support, not replace, a comprehensive health and fitness plan.

    For those interested in nutrition, it’s worthwhile to explore why vitamin K is particularly important for older adults or to be cautious about certain snack foods that could disrupt heart rhythms. Additional recent studies examine how specific vitamins might help prevent type 2 diabetes and reveal how some common dietary chemicals might influence blood pressure.

    Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.

  • Why Raising Testosterone Might Not Boost Your Energy or Mood

    Why Raising Testosterone Might Not Boost Your Energy or Mood

    Credit: Unsplash+

    Testosterone is often regarded as a vital hormone for men’s health, associated with strength, energy, and confidence.

    Because of this, many believe that low testosterone levels are at the root of issues like tiredness, mood swings, and a lack of motivation. Over recent years, an increasing number of men have sought treatments to boost their testosterone, hoping to feel more alert and balanced.

    However, recent research from the University of Gothenburg suggests that this view might be an oversimplification. By analyzing extensive data from both the U.S. and Sweden, the study indicates that testosterone is just one small piece of a much larger health puzzle.

    The study was conducted by Dr. Amar Osmancevic, a specialist in public health. He explored how testosterone interacts with various aspects of health like muscle health, inflammation, and common symptoms experienced by men.

    The findings reveal that while testosterone does have some correlations, they are relatively limited. The strongest associations were observed in sexual health.

    Men with lower testosterone levels were more likely to experience issues with libido, erection, and overall sexual performance. Yet, these links were not particularly strong when compared to men whose hormone levels were within normal ranges.

    The research also examined muscle health, reaffirming that testosterone is generally linked to muscle development. Men with higher testosterone levels tended to have greater muscle mass and lower fat accumulation within their muscles—an important factor since excess fat in muscles can impair function and affect metabolism.

    Interestingly, the study highlighted the role of estradiol, a hormone commonly associated with women, in influencing men’s muscle health. This suggests that the body’s hormonal system is intricate, and focusing on a single hormone may not provide a complete picture.

    Another significant discovery was the connection between testosterone and inflammation. Men with lower testosterone levels typically showed higher levels of chronic inflammation, which can develop gradually and contribute to long-term health problems.

    Despite these findings, the study found little evidence linking testosterone levels directly with common issues like fatigue and depression. This challenges the popular assumption that low testosterone is a primary cause of these symptoms.

    Instead, the research emphasizes that other factors, including age, lifestyle choices, existing health conditions, and especially excess abdominal fat, have a stronger impact on how men feel. This underscores the importance of lifestyle improvements over solely hormone-focused treatments.

    The results point to the need for a more holistic approach to health. Rather than relying only on testosterone therapy, adopting healthy habits—such as regular exercise, good nutrition, and weight management—can lower inflammation and enhance overall well-being.

    While the study provides valuable insights through its large-scale data analysis, it doesn’t establish a direct causal relationship between testosterone and specific symptoms. Further research is needed to clarify these connections.

    Overall, the findings challenge the common belief that testosterone is the main determinant of men’s health. Although the hormone influences certain areas, it isn’t the key to resolving widespread issues like fatigue or depression. A comprehensive approach to overall health appears to be more effective for improving quality of life.

    If you’re interested in nutrition, consider exploring current research about the optimal timing for vitamin intake to prevent heart disease and how vitamin D supplements may significantly reduce cancer mortality.

    For additional nutritional insights, look into recent studies on plant-based nutrients that can help lower high blood pressure, and antioxidants that might reduce the risk of dementia.

    Source: University of Gothenburg.