To evaluate the effectiveness of melatonin and essential aminoacid supplementation on body
composition, protein metabolism, strength and inflammation. The investigators performed a
Randomized controlled parallel groups preliminary trial in 159 elderly sarcopenic people
(42/117 men/women) assigned to 4 groups: isocaloric placebo (P, n=44), melatonin (M, 1
mg/daily, n=42,), essential aminoacids (eAA 4 g/daily, n=40) or eAA plus melatonin (eAAM, 4 g
eAA and 1 mg melatonin/daily, n= 30). The period of intervention was 4 weeks. Data from body
composition (DXA), strength (handgrip test) and biochemical parameters for the assessment of
protein metabolism (albumin) and inflammation (PRC) were collected at baseline and after the
4-week intervention