Olive Mill Wastewater Extract Shows Modest Effects on Muscle Health in Metabolic Risk Adults

Facts remain unchanged. Tone remains neutral.

Could Olive Mill Wastewater Boost Muscle and Antioxidant Defenses?

A new study published in Nutrients has explored the potential health benefits of a polyphenol-rich extract derived from olive mill wastewater (OMWW-OL, Oliphenolia®) on muscle parameters and antioxidant biomarkers in adults at metabolic risk.

The research re-analyzed data from a single-arm, longitudinal pilot trial conducted in Sicily. Participants were adults with at least one metabolic syndrome-related trait. Following a 7-day washout period, they consumed 25 mL of OMWW-OL extract twice daily for 30 days. Measurements were taken at baseline, immediately after the 30-day supplementation, and again 30 days post-supplementation.

Body Composition

• Fat mass decreased by 4.3%, fat mass percentage by 3.5%, and fat mass index by 4.2%.
• Muscle mass percentage increased by 2%.
• Skeletal muscle mass and skeletal muscle index showed slight increases at the follow-up point.

Anthropometrics

• Calf circumference increased by 3.6% at 30 days post-supplementation.
• Arm and wrist circumferences remained stable.

Hydration

• Total body water and hydration status remained stable or showed slight improvement.

Biomarkers

• Ferritin levels increased by 16.2%.
• Protein thiol levels increased.
• Antioxidant capacity showed variable changes.

Weight

• Body weight and BMI decreased by 0.9%.

"Muscle mass percentage increased by 2%."

The study’s authors note several significant limitations:

• No placebo control group was used.
• The trial lacked detailed dietary control.
• No direct measures of muscle strength or physical performance were included.
• The findings are described as modest and were not consistently statistically significant.

The results require confirmation in larger, randomized controlled trials before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.