in people with sarcopenia compared with controls [10]. In addition, a metabolomic study conducted in a relatively large population found that carnitine, a mitochondrial lipid transporter essential for the entry of fatty acids, potential fuel and synthetic precursors for the mitochondria, as well as vitamin E, a strong antioxidant important for mitochondrial function, are underrepresented in the serum of frail compared to non‐frail individuals [85]. Indeed, randomized controlled trials are currently in the field that target mitochondrial health to prevent sarcopenia. Ultimately, the results of these studies should provide an answer of whether changes in mitochondrial function are the root causes to sarcopenia.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Supported in part by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Aging, NIH ‐ Baltimore, MD, USA.
The authors would like to thank Miguel Aon and Sonia Cortassa for reading the manuscript and providing very useful suggestions.
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