Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
09:36
Measurement of Spatial Stability in Precision Grip
Published on: June 4, 2020
Associations between diet and handgrip strength: a cross-sectional study from UK Biobank
A Gedmantaite1, C A Celis-Morales2, Frederick Ho3
1Department for Applied Biology and Rehabilitation, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, LT-44221, Lithuania.
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|June 2, 2020
Summary
Diet impacts muscle strength. Carbohydrates were linked to lower grip strength, while oily fish, retinol, and magnesium showed positive associations. Specific nutrients and foods also showed sex-dependent effects on handgrip strength.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Gerontology
- Musculoskeletal Health
Background:
- Muscle strength, particularly handgrip strength, is a key indicator of overall health and functional status in aging populations.
- Dietary patterns and specific nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining muscle mass and function.
- Understanding the relationship between diet and muscle strength can inform public health strategies for healthy aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between various dietary components and handgrip strength.
- To examine these associations stratified by sex.
- To identify specific nutrients and food groups that may influence muscle strength in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 68,002 participants (mean age 63.8 years) from the UK Biobank.
- Collected detailed dietary intake data including macronutrients, micronutrients, and specific food groups.
- Assessed handgrip strength and performed sex-stratified regression analyses, adjusting for multiple confounding factors.
Main Results:
- Negative associations were found between carbohydrate intake and handgrip strength in both sexes.
- Positive associations were observed for oily fish, retinol, and magnesium intake with grip strength in both sexes.
- In women, positive associations were linked to red meat, fruits, vegetables, vitamin E, iron, vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C; men showed negative associations with bread and processed meat.
Conclusions:
- Several nutrients and food items are associated with muscle strength, highlighting potential dietary targets for maintaining muscle health.
- Specific dietary associations with handgrip strength differ between men and women.
- Further research, including intervention trials, is warranted to confirm the beneficial effects of these dietary factors on muscle maintenance during aging.
