# The inverse relationship between dietary anthocyanidins consumption and frailty: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

## TL;DR

Eating more anthocyanidins, like malvidin and delphinidin, may lower the risk of frailty, especially in middle-aged people and males.

## Contribution

This study is the first to show a U-shaped dose-response relationship between anthocyanidin intake and frailty risk.

## Key findings

- Higher intake of malvidin, delphinidin, and total anthocyanidins is linked to lower frailty risk.
- Middle-aged individuals and males benefit most from anthocyanidin consumption in reducing frailty.
- Optimal anthocyanidin intake for reducing frailty is around 33.322 mg per day.

## Abstract

This study investigates the association between dietary anthocyanidins consumption and the risk of frailty in the general adult population using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data was conducted, examining the relationship between dietary anthocyanidins intake and frailty risk. Dose-response relationships and subgroup analyses were performed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the associations.

The results indicate a significant inverse relationship between the consumption of specific anthocyanidin types, including malvidin and delphinidin, as well as total anthocyanidins, and the odds of frailty. Particularly, individuals aged 41–60 years and males exhibited a notable protective effect of anthocyanidins against frailty. Dose-response analyses revealed a U-shaped relationship between total anthocyanidins intake and frailty risk, with an optimal consumption level of 33.322 mg per day.

This pioneering study emphasizes the potential protective role of dietary anthocyanidins in mitigating frailty, especially among middle-aged individuals and males.