AUTHOR=Du Qiaoqiao , Lu Yanhui , Hu Fan , Feng Xinglin , Zhang Yunquan , Li Shaojie , Zhang Chi , Zhang Hua , Zeng Yi , Yao Yao , Lu Zhaohui , Zhang Wenya , Gao Xiangyang 

TITLE=Dietary diversity and possible sarcopenia among older people in China: a nationwide population-based study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nutrition

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1218453

DOI=10.3389/fnut.2023.1218453

ISSN=2296-861X

ABSTRACT=Background: Sarcopenia is a common geriatric disease. Many dietary factors may contribute to the development of sarcopenia. Few studies have been conducted on dietary diversity and sarcopenia in Chinese older adults. Among a nationwide sample, the objective of this study is to assess the association between the dietary diversity score (DDS) and the prevalence of possible sarcopenia. We considered different patterns of dietary diversity in the relations with possible sarcopenia. Methods: We conducted this analysis utilized the cross-sectional data from the 2012, 2014, and 2018 waves of the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey (CLHLS). A standard developed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS2019) was used to assess the possibility of sarcopenia. On the basis of the DDS generated by previous studies, we have constructed four new indicators: total diet, animal-based diet, plant-based diet, plant-based diet without legume products and nut consumption. We used the generalized estimation equation (GEE) model to evaluate the associations between DDS of total diet, animal-based diet, plant-based diet, plant-based diet without legume products and nuts intake and possible sarcopenia. These associations were statistically adjusted for a variety of potential confounders. Sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding some participants who were long-term bedridden or Alzheimer's or terminally ill. Results: The analysis included 6624 participants (mean age 83.4 years at baseline). In our study, we found that participants with a higher DDS of total diet (OR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.51-0.77), animal-based diet (OR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.49–0.79), and plant-based diet (OR=0.64;95% CI: 0.51-0.80) were at a lower risk of developing sarcopenia. In sensitivity analyses, the associations remained unchanged. Conclusions: Taking a diversified diet, including animal foods, may reduce the risk of developing sarcopenia. According to the findings of this study, adopting a diversified diet might reduce the risk of sarcopenia for older adults.