Relationships of food security with skeletal muscle mass and handgrip strength by sex

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate sex differences in the relationships of food security level with skeletal muscle mass and handgrip strength. MethodsSkeletal muscle mass (appendicular skeletal muscle mass [ASM] adjusted for squared height [ASM/height2] or body mass index [ASM/BMI]), handgrip strength, food security level (high, marginally, and low secure), and covariates (age, education, household income, chronic diseases, smoking status, alcohol use, and physical activity) were assessed in participants aged 19 to 80 y using Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (4481 men and 6320 women from the 2008–2011 data, 9588 men and 12 981 women from the 2014–2018 data). A complex sample design general linear model was performed. ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, the interaction between food security and sex was significant for associations with ASM/height2 (P = 0.001) and handgrip strength (P < 0.001), but not with ASM/BMI. After adjusting for covariates, ASM/height2 and ASM/BMI were significantly lower in men aged <60 y from lower food-security households than those from high food-security households, but not in men aged ≥60 y or women of all ages. After adjusting for covariates, men and women aged <60 y and ≥60 y from lower food-security households had significantly weaker handgrip strength than those from high food-security households. ConclusionsLow food security was associated with lower muscle mass and strength in men aged <60 y and weaker muscle strength in men aged ≥60 y and women of all ages. These results suggest sex differences in the relationships of food security with muscle mass and strength in individuals aged <60 y.