Nutritional Factors and Muscle Mass in Seniors

IOF (The International Osteoporosis Nutrition Working Group) published a review examining the role of nutrition and sarcopenia, which is the gradual loss of muscle mass. Loss of muscle mass is common as we get older and it poses severe risks of disability by leading to falls and fractures.

They found that resistance training was the most important intervention to prevent decreased muscle mass. However, they also found that the amount of protein, Vitamin D, B12, folic acid was related and adequate amounts decreased sarcopenia. Additionally, they found that eating more fruits and vegetables seemed to benefit both muscles and bones.