Nutrient and food group intakes and skeletal muscle index in the Japanese elderly: a cross-sectional analysis of the NHNS 2017

Abstract

Objective: To examine nutrient and food intakes according to the levels of skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) in the elderly. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Data were derived from the 2017 National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan. SMI was calculated by dividing appendicular skeletal muscle (or lean) mass (kg) by height squared (m2). We calculated the multivariable-adjusted means of individuals’ dietary intake. Dietary intake of energy, nutrients and food categories was assessed by examining dietary records using a semi-weighed method and compared according to the sex-specific quartiles of SMI. Participants: Men and women aged ≥60 years. Results: Among 797 men and 969 women, individuals with a higher SMI consumed more energy and more nutrients than did those with a lower SMI after adjusting for age, lifestyle and physical activity factors. After further adjusting for energy intake, total dietary fibre, vitamin A, vitamin B6, K, Fe and Cu were positively associated with higher SMI in men (Pfor trend < 0·05). For food categories, men with a higher SMI consumed more vegetables and meats, but the associations were attenuated after adjustment for energy and remained significant for vegetable only (Pfor trend = 0·018). Conclusions: Japanese elderly people with a higher SMI consumed more energy and nutrients and more vegetables than did those with a lower SMI. This finding shows that diet is important in preventing muscle loss among the elderly in an ageing society.

Satellite Cells Exhibit Decreased Numbers and Impaired Functions on Single Myofibers Isolated from Vitamin B6-Deficient Mice

“…In a 2016 study, it was reported that older, sarcopenic Dutch people have a low intake of vitamin B6 [11]. Similarly, in 2020, older Japanese people with a low skeletal muscle index, which reflects muscle loss, were also found to have a low vitamin B6 intake [9]. It has been hypothesized that the low vitamin B6 intake as well as its low levels in older or sarcopenic people is possibly due to the low intake of proteins, one of the main food sources for vitamin B6, in the elderly [10].…”

“…Interestingly, among the 13 vitamins for humans, vitamin D is the only one that has been extensively studied at both physiological and cellular levels. However, recent research suggests that other nutrients, such as antioxidants, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin B6, also play a role in the prevention or improvement of sarcopenia [4,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Recent human studies (2016-2021) in European countries as well as Japan have demonstrated that the low intake and low levels of vitamin B6 coexist with sarcopenia [7][8][9][10][11].…”

“…However, recent research suggests that other nutrients, such as antioxidants, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin B6, also play a role in the prevention or improvement of sarcopenia [4,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Recent human studies (2016-2021) in European countries as well as Japan have demonstrated that the low intake and low levels of vitamin B6 coexist with sarcopenia [7][8][9][10][11]. In 2021, Grootswagers et al [8] reported that increased vitamin B6 intake in older European people is related to improvements in the chair rest test, thereby reflecting muscle power, as well as handgrip strength, which reflects muscle strength.…”

“…Interestingly, among the 13 vitamins in humans, only vitamin D has been extensively studied at both physiological and muscle cell levels. However, emerging research over the last 5 years suggests that other nutrients and vitamins may be potentially involved in sarcopenia [4,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. In fact, human studies in both European countries and Japan have demonstrated that low intake as well as low levels of vitamin B6 coexist with sarcopenia [7][8][9][10][11].…”

“…However, emerging research over the last 5 years suggests that other nutrients and vitamins may be potentially involved in sarcopenia [4,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. In fact, human studies in both European countries and Japan have demonstrated that low intake as well as low levels of vitamin B6 coexist with sarcopenia [7][8][9][10][11]. Although these reports provide crucial evidence for the association of vitamin B6 with sarcopenia, the evidence has largely been obtained from observational studies.…”