Association between habitual green tea consumption and sarcopenia score among young Japanese women assessed using SARC-f questionnaire: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundHabitual consumption of green tea is inversely associated with sarcopenia in older adults; however, there is a gap in research regarding its effect on young adults.AimThe aim of this study was to ascertain the association of habitual green tea consumption with sarcopenia score in young Japanese women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Eniwa, Hokkaido, Japan, in April 2023 and included 329 women with a mean age of 19.4 ± 1.2 (range, 18-25) years. Habitual green tea consumption was assessed using a validated, self-administered food frequency questionnaire, whereas the sarcopenia score was evaluated using a questionnaire on strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls. Linear trends were assessed for sarcopenia score using ordinal numbers 0-3 for energy-adjusted green tea consumption quartiles while adjusting for age, body mass index, living alone, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, energy, and protein intake.ResultsThe mean sarcopenia score was 1.01. After adjusting for confounding factors, although it was not significant, there was a negative correlation between green tea consumption and sarcopenia score (1.14 in the lowest and 0.93 in the highest quartiles; p for trend = 0.117).ConclusionThe study findings indicate that higher habitual green tea consumption was associated with lower sarcopenia score in young Japanese women. Green tea consumption might be effective in preventing sarcopenia in young Japanese women. However, further longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings.