Associations between dietary protein and vitamin intake and the physical functioning of older adults with sarcopenia

To investigate associations between dietary protein and vitamin intake and physical function status in older adults with sarcopenia.

Data of 707 participants with sarcopenia aged > 60 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004 were analyzed. Body composition, body mass index (BMI), physical function status, demographics, dietary intake (protein and vitamins A, C, E), lifestyle factors and comorbidities were measured, stratified by gender.

Dietary levels of carbohydrate, fat and vitamin E differed significantly between genders (P < 0.05). Physical function limitations (48.5 vs. 36%; P < 0.001), basic activities of daily living (ADL) limitations (37 vs. 24.4%; P < 0.001), and instrumental ADL limitations (25.6 vs. 17.8%) were higher in women than in men. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that, in males, intake of optimal amounts of vitamin C (Q3: ≥ 60.71 mg/day) was associated with basic ADL limitations. In females, protein intake of more than 1.11 g/kg/day was associated with both basic and instrumental ADL limitations.

Only dietary or supplemental intake of vitamin C and E, but not protein, was associated with physical functioning in older males with sarcopenia. In contrast, only intake of higher amounts of protein, but not vitamins, was associated with physical functioning in older females with sarcopenia.