Painkillers may boost muscle mass in seniors

Elderly men and women who do weight training may get an extra boost from two common painkillers, new research suggests. Scientists at Ball State University have found that seniors who took the recommended daily dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen while doing strength training exercises experienced a 40 percent to 60 percent growth in muscle mass strength, compared to a seven percent gain in those taking a placebo. Researchers theorize that the pain meds may block an enzyme necessary for muscle growth, and this causes the body to overcompensate and send out signals for the body to produce more of the enzyme than would normally be needed.  Read full story >