Effects of Nutrition Therapy on Sarcopenia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Keywords:
nutrition therapy, sarcopenia, older adults, systematic literature reviewAbstract
Sarcopenia is a major problem among older adults and hospitalized patients. It is characterized by a decline in muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance, which increases the risk of falls, complications, prolonged hospital stay, and loss of ability to perform activities of daily living. However, research findings remain heterogeneous. This study aimed to review and synthesize empirical evidence on the effects of nutrition therapy on sarcopenia in older adults. A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, with searches performed in both international and national academic databases.
A total of 21 randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies involving older adults, frail elderly individuals, patients with sarcopenia, and hospitalized patients were included. Nutrition interventions consisted of whey protein supplementation, protein combined with leucine, protein combined with vitamin D, high-protein diets, peptide-based formulas, protein supplementation combined with resistance exercise, and protein combined with physical activity. The intervention duration ranged from approximately 4 to 24 weeks. Outcome measures included appendicular muscle mass, fat-free mass, muscle thickness, handgrip strength, overall muscle strength, and physical performance scores.
The synthesis showed that most studies reported positive effects on muscle mass or muscle function, particularly with high-quality protein supplementation and leucine-enriched formulas, as well as protein supplementation combined with resistance exercise. These interventions demonstrated benefits in increasing muscle mass, strength, or physical performance. Some studies reported maintenance of muscle mass in critically ill patients, while others found no significant change in muscle mass despite improvements in strength. In conclusion, protein-focused nutrition therapy especially when combined with exercise-tends to provide beneficial effects on muscle-related outcomes in older adults and vulnerable populations.
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