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Nutrition and sarcopenia: evidence for an interaction
1Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK. D.Millward@surrey.ac.uk
The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
|March 21, 2012
Summary
Limited evidence supports specific nutritional interventions for sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss). General healthy diet and lifestyle advice, including adequate nutrients and physical activity, remains the most recommended approach for preventing muscle decline.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Sarcopenia, dynapenia, and frailty are age-related conditions characterized by muscle loss and weakness.
- Potential physiological factors include inactivity, anabolic resistance, inflammation, acidosis, and vitamin D deficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nutritional interventions potentially influencing sarcopenia, dynapenia, and frailty.
- To evaluate the evidence for specific nutrients and dietary patterns in relation to sarcopenia etiology and management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on sarcopenia, dynapenia, frailty, and nutritional factors.
- Analysis of research on physiological mechanisms underlying muscle decline and potential nutritional countermeasures.
Main Results:
- Evidence for specific nutritional influences on sarcopenia is limited; protein and amino acid interventions are largely ineffective.
- Fish oil may attenuate anabolic resistance; antioxidants and phase 2 inducers show limited protective effects.
- Fruit, vegetables, and vitamin D show potential but require further research, with limited evidence for benefits above severe deficiency levels.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient evidence exists for specific nutritional advice beyond general healthy lifestyle recommendations.
- Maintaining an active lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and oily fish is advised.
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