Association of Dietary Intake with Sarcopenia Prevalence

Abstract

Sarcopenia is the age‐related loss of muscle mass associated with decreased physical functioning. Approximately 30% of adults = 60 y have sarcopenia and its prevalence increases with age. Research suggests an association between sarcopenia and dietary components, such as protein, carotenoids, and cholesterol. To further explore these associations, 30 overweight and obese men (n=11) and women (n=19), 60‐75 y were studied. Mean participant age was 66.5 ± 4.5y, mean weight was 86.8 ± 13.9kg, and mean BMI was 31.8 ± 3.5 kg/m2. Percent muscle area (PMA, total thigh muscle area divided by total thigh area) was used as the measure of sarcopenia. Participants were classified as having higher (n=14) or lower (n=16) PMA; lower PMA indicative of sarcopenia. Dietary assessment was done via a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Participants with higher PMA consumed more cholesterol than participants with lower PMA (284.3±133.1 mg vs. 176.7±65.7 mg, p<0.05). Participants with higher PMA also trended to consume more animal protein (60.5±25.7 g versus 45.8±16.8 g, p=0.07) and vitamin B12 (8.7±4.02 mcg versus 6.4±2.5 mcg, p=0.078) than participants with lower PMA. Participants with lower PMA consumed more alpha‐carotene than participants with higher PMA (1186.7±929.2 mcg versus 686.1±559.6 mcg, p=0.09). These data suggest that more research is needed regarding dietary intake and sarcopenia.