Abstract
The prevalence of sarcopenia is increasing in aging populations, so prevention is critical. Vitamins (A, C, E and carotenoids) modify skeletal muscle via protein and collagen synthesis and anti-inflammatory activities. Previous studies have not investigated intake of these vitamins in relation to sarcopenic indices in both younger and older-aged women. Indices of skeletal muscle mass (as fat-free mass (FFM) relative to body size) were measured using DXA and leg explosive power (LEP) using the Nottingham Power Rig in 2570 women aged 18–79 years. Adjusted measures of skeletal muscle were calculated according to quintiles of vitamin C, E, retinol and carotenoid intake, derived from Food Frequency Questionnaires, after stratification by age. Higher vitamin C intake was associated with significantly higher indices of FFM and LEP, (Q5-Q1 = 2.0–12.8%, P < 0.01–0.02). Intakes of total and individual carotenoids were significantly associated with indices of FFM and LEP (Q5-Q1 = 1.0–7.5%). Vitamin E was significantly associated with FFM% and FFMBMI only. In mutually adjusted analysis with vitamin C, total carotene, vitamin E and protein in the model, the strongest associations were with vitamin C. These associations were stronger in younger women (< 65 years). For the first time, our research shows higher dietary intakes of antioxidant vitamins, particularly vitamin C, is associated with higher skeletal muscle mass and power in free-living women. These findings have relevance for the treatment and prevention of frailty and sarcopenia throughout adulthood.
Highlights
Background and AimsAcross the world, populations are aging rapidly leading to increased prevalence of sarcopenia and frailty, conditions that increase the risk of osteoporosis, falls, fracturesElectronic supplementary material The online version of this article contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.and mortality, leading to longer and more expensive hospital stays
The purpose of this study was to first, understand the associations between: (i) dietary vitamins C, E and A and (ii) the full range of dietary carotenoids; α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin and indices of skeletal muscle mass [i.e. Fat Free Mass Index (FFMI), percentage fat-free mass (FFM%) and fat-free mass adjusted for body mass index (FFMBMI)], and function [i.e. hand grip strength, arm muscle quality and leg explosive power (LEP)] in a population of women with a wide age range
Associations were significant for FFM% (Q5-Q1 0.6% ± 0.4 P-trend = 0.028), FFMI (Q5-Q1 0.2 ± 0.1 P-trend = 0.012) and LEP (Q5-Q1 6.4 ± 2.7 P-trend = 0.011)
Summary
Populations are aging rapidly leading to increased prevalence of sarcopenia and frailty, conditions that increase the risk of osteoporosis, falls, fractures. Mortality, leading to longer and more expensive hospital stays. These conditions impact adversely on quality of life for individuals [1]. The estimated prevalence of sarcopenia in the community is 1–29% in people over the age of 60 years, which rises to 17.7–87% in those living in assisted or residential or care facilities [1,2,3]. Frailty is estimated to affect 25% of people over the age of 80 years.
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