Abstract
BackgroundThere is scarce epidemiological evidence regarding the relationships of the consumption of different types of vegetables or fruits with change in skeletal muscle strength. We prospectively examined the relationships among Japanese adults, using handgrip strength to assess skeletal muscle strength.MethodsA 3-year study was carried out with 259 Japanese adults who were 22–68 years of age. The frequency of consumption of different types of vegetables or fruits were obtained using a validated self-administered dietary history questionnaire. Handgrip strength was measured with a handheld digital Smedley dynamometer.ResultsAfter adjustment for confounding factors, the mean change in handgrip strength in participants stratified according to the level of tomato and tomato product consumption at baseline were −3.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], −4.0 to −2.3) for <1 time/week, −2.7 (95% CI, −3.6 to −1.8) for 1 time/week, −1.6 (95% CI, −2.5 to −0.8) for 2–3 times/week, and −1.7 (95% CI, −2.8 to −0.7) for ≥4 times/week, (P for trend = 0.022). However, the significant relationships of consumption of other types of vegetables and different types of fruits with change in handgrip strength were not observed.ConclusionHigher consumption of tomato and tomato product at baseline was significantly associated with reduced decline in handgrip strength among Japanese adults over a 3-year follow-up period. This study suggests that consumption of tomato and tomato product could be protective against the decline in skeletal muscle strength associated with aging.
Highlights
It is well known that aging leads to numerous anatomical and physiological degenerative changes, which can adversely affect physical function and skeletal muscle strength
Higher frequency of consumption of tomato and tomato product was associated with reduced decline in handgrip strength after adjustment for all covariates
Our findings suggested that consumption of tomato and tomato product could be protective against the decline in skeletal muscle strength associated with aging among Japanese adults
Summary
It is well known that aging leads to numerous anatomical and physiological degenerative changes, which can adversely affect physical function and skeletal muscle strength. The exact biological mechanisms involved in decline in skeletal muscle strength are not fully understood, enhanced oxidative stress may play an important role in individuals with lower skeletal muscle strength.[5] In recent years, several studies have reported that dietary antioxidants, in particular, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and lycopene, can help to protect against the decline in skeletal muscle strength with aging. Two crosssectional studies showed that higher levels of dietary vitamin C6 and vitamin E7 were each independently associated with higher skeletal muscle strength in older women. A 6-year follow-up survey among older adults showed that those with lower plasma carotenoid levels are at a higher risk of declining skeletal muscle strength.[8] lycopene has a stronger antioxidant ability to quench singlet oxygen and scavenge free radicals. There is scarce epidemiological evidence regarding the relationships of the consumption of different types of vegetables or fruits with change in skeletal muscle strength. We prospectively examined the relationships among Japanese adults, using handgrip strength to assess skeletal muscle strength
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
