The Relationship Between Gut Microbiota, Muscle Mass and Physical Function in Older Individuals: A Systematic Review
David J Barry1, Sam S X Wu1, Matthew B Cooke1,2
1School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne VIC 3122, Australia.
Nutrients
|January 11, 2025
Summary
The gut microbiota influences sarcopenia development and muscle health in older adults. Interventions targeting the gut microbiome show potential for managing sarcopenia and improving physical function.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Microbiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Sarcopenia, characterized by muscle mass and function decline, is increasingly linked to gut microbiota alterations via the microbiota-gut-muscle axis.
- Limited research has systematically explored the gut microbiota's role in sarcopenia and the impact of dietary interventions on muscle health in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the relationship between gut microbiota, muscle mass, and physical performance in older individuals.
- To evaluate the effects of gut-modulating dietary interventions on sarcopenia-related outcomes in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across four databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus) for studies published between 2004 and July 2023.
- The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.
- Risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB 2.0) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools.
Main Results:
- Twenty studies (14 observational, 6 interventional) with 4071 older participants were included, showing significant heterogeneity in methods and outcomes.
- Observed correlations exist between gut microbiota diversity/composition and sarcopenia-related functional outcomes.
- Interventions targeting the gut microbiota yielded mixed results, with some studies showing improvements in muscle strength, body composition, or physical function.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests an altered gut microbial environment contributes to sarcopenia development.
- Interventions aimed at modulating the gut microbiome may offer therapeutic potential for sarcopenia treatment and management.
- Further research is needed to clarify the complex interactions within the microbiota-gut-muscle axis and optimize interventions.
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