Low Levels of Branched Chain Amino Acids, Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Micronutrients are Associated with Low Muscle Mass, Strength and Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

BackgroundSarcopenia, the age-related decrease in muscle mass and function can result in adverse health outcomes and subsequent loss of independence. Inadequate nutrition is an important contributor to the aetiology of sarcopenia, and dietary strategies are studied to prevent or delay this geriatric syndrome.ObjectiveThe present study investigated whether there is an association between biochemical nutrient status markers, muscle parameters and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.DesignData from the cross-sectional Maastricht Sarcopenia study (MaSS) were used, in which skeletal muscle index (SMI), 4 meter gait speed, 5 times chair stand and handgrip strength were assessed among older adults (n=227). Sarcopenia was defined following the algorithm of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Fasted blood samples were analyses on amino acids levels, RBC phospholipid profile, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), -tocopherol, magnesium and homocysteine were determined in fasted blood levels. Generalized linear modelling and logistic regression were used for data analysis.ResultsLower blood levels of essential amino acids (EAA), total branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and leucine were associated with lower SMI (P