Abstract
This cohort study aimed to identify the associations of dairy protein intake with the risk of developing a low muscle mass during a 12-year follow-up period, using data from 4412 middle-aged Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study participants with a normal baseline muscle mass. Dairy protein intake at baseline was assessed using a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), defined as the weight-adjusted skeletal muscle mass, was measured biennially using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyses. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to calculate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Overall, 395 subjects developed a low SMI (%) during an average follow-up of 141 (19–152) months. The average consumption of milk and other dairy products was 73.6 and 104.1 g/day, respectively. In men, a higher dairy protein intake was associated with a decreased risk of developing a low SMI (tertile 3 [T3] vs. T1, HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.94; p for trend = 0.029). In a stratified analysis according to a total protein intake, this association was stronger in the lower-protein intake group (HR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.99; p for trend = 0.036) but not detected in the higher-protein intake group. Men who consumed milk ≥1 time/day had a significantly lower risk of developing a low SMI (HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.98; p for trend = 0.023). No significant associations were observed in women. In summary, dairy consumption appears to be beneficial for decreasing the risk of developing a low muscle mass in middle-aged Korean men.
Highlights
Sarcopenia, a syndrome characterized by low levels of muscle mass and strength, is common among older adults but can occur in younger adults [1]
B One serving was equal to 200 mL of milk, 130 mL of yogurt, and 20 g of cheese. In this prospective study of a middle-aged Korean population, a higher dairy protein intake was associated with a decreased risk of developing a low Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) in men but not in women, and this association was stronger among men with a low total protein intake
The consumption of more than one serving of milk per day was significantly associated with a lower risk of developing a low SMI
Summary
Sarcopenia, a syndrome characterized by low levels of muscle mass and strength, is common among older adults but can occur in younger adults [1]. Sarcopenia is known to be associated with increased risks of falls and fractures, reduced cardiopulmonary function, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and eventually, disability, hospitalization, and death [2]. The population of elderly individuals who will be exposed to the risks of deteriorating muscle strength and mobility associated with muscle loss is expected to increase enormously during the few decades [4]. Sarcopenia is largely attributed to aging, the condition can be accelerated by modifiable lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and malnutrition [5]. It is generally accepted that adequate dietary protein is required for the maintenance of muscle mass in older adults [6].
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