Selected B vitamins and their possible link to the aetiology of age-related sarcopenia: relevance of UK dietary recommendations

Abstract

The possible roles of selected B vitamins in the development and progression of sarcopenia are reviewed. Age-related declines in muscle mass and function are associated with huge and increasing costs to healthcare providers. Falls and loss of mobility and independence due to declining muscle mass/function are associated with poor clinical outcomes and their prevention and management are attractive research targets. Nutritional status appears a key modifiable and affordable intervention. There is emerging evidence of sarcopenia being the result not only of diminished anabolic activity but also of declining neurological integrity in older age, which is emerging as an important aspect of the development of age-related decline in muscle mass/function. In this connection, several B vitamins can be viewed as not only cofactors in muscle synthetic processes, but also as neurotrophic agents with involvements in both bioenergetic and trophic pathways. The B vitamins thus selected are examined with respect to their relevance to multiple aspects of neuromuscular function and evidence is considered that requirements, intakes or absorption may be altered in the elderly. In addition, the evidence base for recommended intakes (UK recommended daily allowance) is examined with particular reference to original datasets and their relevance to older individuals. It is possible that inconsistencies in the literature with respect to the nutritional management of sarcopenia may, in part at least, be the result of compromised micronutrient status in some study participants. It is suggested that in order, for example, for intervention with amino acids to be successful, underlying micronutrient deficiencies must first be addressed/eliminated.

Sarcopenic obesity can be negatively associated with active physical activity and adequate intake of some nutrients in Korean elderly: Findings from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2011)

“…Symptoms related to niacin deficiency include neuromuscular deficits, such as muscle weakness and wasting [44]. This report was different from the data of this study, which was not consistent according to gender.…”

Nutrient Intake and Muscle Measures in Geriatric Outpatients

“…A potential mechanism could be the fact that muscle is responsible for a substantial portion of the body's total energy expenditure; consuming sufficient energy may contribute to the conservation of skeletal muscle mass (39). Vitamin Bs are involved in multiple aspects of energy and protein metabolism and neural (41). Our finding of a higher folate intake being associated with higher muscle mass and muscle strength is in line with cross-sectional studies in community-dwelling older adults (22,42).…”

Micronutrients and sarcopenia: current perspectives

“…The role of B vitamins in the aetiology of sarcopenia has not been studied extensively although given their involvement, both direct and indirect, in an array of relevant biological processes, their contribution could be significant (48) . In a review of the possible influences of B vitamins on sarcopenia, Aytekin and colleagues highlight their involvement in energy and protein metabolism and the known links between deficiencies and neuromuscular effects (48) .…”

“…The role of B vitamins in the aetiology of sarcopenia has not been studied extensively although given their involvement, both direct and indirect, in an array of relevant biological processes, their contribution could be significant (48) . In a review of the possible influences of B vitamins on sarcopenia, Aytekin and colleagues highlight their involvement in energy and protein metabolism and the known links between deficiencies and neuromuscular effects (48) . For example, deficiencies of vitamins B 1 (thiamine) and B 3 (niacin) are associated with deficits that include muscle weakness and fatigue, whereas vitamin B 6 (pyridoxine) deficiency is associated with effects on the peripheral nervous system, and with loss of motor function (48) .…”

“…In a review of the possible influences of B vitamins on sarcopenia, Aytekin and colleagues highlight their involvement in energy and protein metabolism and the known links between deficiencies and neuromuscular effects (48) . For example, deficiencies of vitamins B 1 (thiamine) and B 3 (niacin) are associated with deficits that include muscle weakness and fatigue, whereas vitamin B 6 (pyridoxine) deficiency is associated with effects on the peripheral nervous system, and with loss of motor function (48) . However, in terms of the evidence base, perhaps the clearest indication of the potential role of B vitamins comes from studies of circulating homocysteine concentrations in relation to muscle mass and function.…”