Association of food group with the changes in sarcopenia parameters over 1 year in older outpatients in a frailty clinic

This study investigated the relationship between food group and the changes in sarcopenia parameters in 1 year among older outpatients.

A prospective cohort study conducted between July 2017 and April 2021 included patients aged ≥ 65 years attending a frailty clinic. Food group consumption adjusted for energy and body weight was conducted using a self-administered dietary history questionnaire. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between tertiles of adjusted food group consumption and outcomes, including a handgrip strength decline, prolonged five-time chair stand test (5CST), decreased skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and decreased gait speed in 1 year. Covariates included age, sex, height, energy intake, number of comorbidities, and the Baecke activity score.

In the analysis of 165 participants (mean age 77.6 ± 6.1 years, 107 women), individuals with higher consumption of sugar and sweeteners had a significantly increased risk for handgrip strength decline (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.15–5.23, P = 0.020) and prolonged 5CST (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.38–7.13, P = 0.006). Higher consumption of beverages increased the risk of handgrip strength decline (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.11–4.76, P = 0.025). Conversely, higher legume consumption decreased the risk of SMI reduction (OR 0.35, 95%CI 0.16–0.76, P = 0.008), higher fruit consumption reduced the risk of prolonged 5CST time (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13–0.67, P = 0.004), and higher green yellow vegetables consumption decreased the risk of reduced gait speed (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.17–0.84, P = 0.017).

Sugar, sweeteners, and beverages are associated with worsened sarcopenia parameters, whereas consumption of legumes, vegetables, and fruits is associated with a lower risk.