Associations between dietary patterns and sarcopenia: insights from cross-sectional and Mendelian randomization analyses

Our analysis using UK Biobank data explored associations between dietary factors and sarcopenia. We found strong links between probable sarcopenia and the intake of oily fish, processed meat, lamb, and coffee, whereas processed meat remained significantly related with confirmed sarcopenia. Preference for specific foods, such as FloraPro-Active/Benecol spreads, Bran cereal and wholemeal or wholegrain bread were associated with reduced risk. MR confirmed the causal effects of coffee intake on low hand grip strength and ALM. Our study provides insights for dietary strategies in sarcopenia patients, though further research is needed to validate and explore these mechanisms.