Plasma saturated fatty acids are inversely associated with lean mass and strength in adults: NHANES 2011-2012

Several studies have suggested that increased intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) may have a pro-inflammatory effect, potentially impacting muscle mass and strength. However, the relationship of plasma SFAs and their subtypes (which reflect dietary SFA intake) with muscle mass and strength remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the association of plasma SFAs with lean mass and handgrip strength in adults.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 896 participants aged 20-59 years, selected from a subsample of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012. Total plasma SFAs and their subtypes were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Lean mass was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, with evaluations of both total lean mass and appendicular lean mass. Muscle strength was measured using a handgrip dynamometer, with combined grip strength calculated by summing the highest values from each hand. Linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between plasma SFAs, lean mass, and handgrip strength, adjusting for potential confounders.

Total lean mass was negatively associated with total plasma SFAs and several of their subtypes such as plasma levels of stearic acid, palmitic acid, arachidic acid, tricosanoic acid, lignoceric acid, and docosanoic acid. Similarly, appendicular lean mass was negatively associated with total plasma SFAs, as well as with several specific subtypes, including palmitic acid, stearic acid, margaric acid, pentadecanoic acid, and myristic acid. Handgrip strength also demonstrated a negative association with total plasma SFAs, including specific subtypes such as lauric acid, palmitic acid, capric acid, margaric acid, pentadecanoic acid, and myristic acid.

Total plasma SFAs and several of their subtypes are inversely associated with lean mass and muscle strength in adults.