The present invention describes the use of a composition comprising a compound according to formula (1) to retain or restore muscle health: formula (1) wherein: R can be H, OH or CH.sup.3O; R.sup.1 can be H, (CH.sub.2).sub.nOR.sup.2 wherein: n is 1, 2 or 3 R.sup.2 is H, COCH.sub.3 or formula (2) wherein m is 1, 2 or 3 with the proviso that R and R.sup.1 are not H at the same time. The invention furthermore relates to the use of a compound according to formula (1) in the manufacture for a composition to retain or restore muscle health, thereby for example preventing and/or treating muscle damage due to exercise. More specifically, such composition includes food, beverages, supplements and feed.