# Association between dietary intake of protein and amino acids and sarcopenia: a cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study found that higher animal protein and arginine intake may lower the risk of sarcopenia in older adults.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific amino acids and protein sources linked to sarcopenia risk in older adults.

## Key findings

- Higher total and animal protein intake was associated with lower sarcopenia risk.
- Arginine intake was linked to reduced sarcopenia risk, while leucine, glutamate, cystine, and tyrosine increased it.
- Sarcopenia group had lower energy, protein, and nutrient intake compared to the non-sarcopenia group.

## Abstract

To research the effects of diet on sarcopenia, and to examine the association of protein and amino acid sources with the risk of sarcopenia in older adults.

From December 2023 to July 2024, 84 patients with sarcopenia and 173 without sarcopenia were included in the study at the Joint Logistics Support Force 925th Hospital. We compared the in diet and general characteristics between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the effects of total protein, animal protein, plant protein, and amino acid on the risk of sarcopenia in older adults.

In terms of nutrient intake, the dietary intakes of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber were significantly lower in the sarcopenia group than the non-sarcopenia group (P < 0.05). Analysis of protein showed that the highest tertile of total protein and animal protein intake was associated with lower incident sarcopenia risk (P < 0.05), while plant protein intake showed no significant association. Further analysis of amino acid showed that the highest tertile of leucine, glutamate, cystine, and tyrosine intake was associated with increased risk of sarcopenia, whereas arginine intake was linked to a lower incident sarcopenia risk (OR: 0.442, 95% CI: 0.200 ~ 0.979; P-trend = 0.038).

The insufficient intake of animal protein and amino acids may be closely associated with the risk of sarcopenia in older adults. Moderately increasing the intake of arginine and animal protein may help reduce the risk of sarcopenia in older adults.