Healthy Eating Is Associated with Sarcopenia Risk in Physically Active Older Adults

Abstract

Healthy Diet and physical activity may play important roles in the maintenance of muscle health during aging. The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of adherence to healthy dietary patterns on sarcopenia risk in a sample of physically active older men and women, while considering adherence to guidelines on muscle strengthening activities (MSA) and protein intake. Based on a sample of 191 physically active men and women (65–70 years), dietary intake was assessed using a 90-items food-frequency-questionnaire (FFQ) and Healthy Diet Score (HDS) was calculated. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometry and self-report. A sarcopenia risk score (SRS) was derived based on three indicators of muscle health: muscle mass was assessed using bioelectrical impedance and handgrip strength and 5 times sit-to-stand (5-STS) were determined by standardized procedures. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine differences in SRS and its components across sex-specific tertiles of HDS, with adjustments for covariates including total energy intake, protein intake and MSA. A significant main effect (p < 0.05) of HDS on SRS was observed, where those belonging to the highest HDS tertile had lower SRS compared to those in the lowest tertile. A corresponding significant effect was observed for 5-STS performance, with better performance in those with the highest HDS adherence compared to those with the lowest. The present study supports guidelines emphasizing diet quality beyond amounts of macro- and micronutrients in the prevention of age-related deterioration of muscle health. Importantly, the benefits from healthy dietary patterns are evident in older adults who already adhere to guidelines for health-enhancing physical activity.

Benefits of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Are Independent of Physical Activity Behaviors in Older Adults

“…The following serving frequencies were used: less than one serving per day, 1 serving per day, 2 servings per day, 3 servings per day, 4 servings per day, 5 servings per day or more. In addition, total energy intake was assessed using a 90-item food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ), as previously described [24].…”

Association of sarcopenia with ideal cardiovascular health metrics among US adults: a cross-sectional study of NHANES data from 2011 to 2018

“…Healthy eating is significantly associated with sarcopenia. The Papaioannou study 22 highlighted the beneficial link between healthy eating and sarcopenia risk. There are several possible mechanisms to explain the beneficial effects of a healthy diet on skeletal muscle.…”

Ageing and Obesity Shared Patterns: From Molecular Pathogenesis to Epigenetics

“…For instance, in both, we have increased inflammation [ 49 , 50 ], free radicals, and oxidative stress [ 51 , 52 ] as well as microbiota changes [ 53 , 54 ]. In addition, healthy diet and physical activity are prescribed to manage obesity [ 55 , 56 ] and also optimize healthy ageing [ 57 , 58 ]. While the main goal of prescribing the physical activity in obesity is to increase the energy expenditure and, thus, reduce the adiposity and lose weight [ 59 , 60 ], in ageing, the physical activity aims mostly to improve muscular and metabolic performance [ 57 , 61 , 62 ].…”

“…In addition, healthy diet and physical activity are prescribed to manage obesity [ 55 , 56 ] and also optimize healthy ageing [ 57 , 58 ]. While the main goal of prescribing the physical activity in obesity is to increase the energy expenditure and, thus, reduce the adiposity and lose weight [ 59 , 60 ], in ageing, the physical activity aims mostly to improve muscular and metabolic performance [ 57 , 61 , 62 ]. Importantly, physical activity as a common therapy for both ageing and obesity has significant impacts on reducing the risk factors mediated by ageing and obesity and also improves numerous biomolecular markers and pathological profiles.…”