Sea Vegetables and Fruits as Novel Dietary Protective Factors for Sarcopenia and Muscle Function in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Sarcopenia may be influenced by lifestyle and dietary factors. Emerging evidence suggests that certain foods such as sea vegetables and fruits contain bioactive compounds may help protect against muscle loss. This study investigated the association between sea vegetable and fruit intake and the risk of sarcopenia and physical performance in older adults in Taiwan. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a cross-sectional study of 588 individuals aged ≥65 years recruited from three hospitals (outpatient and home-care settings) in southern Taiwan (2018-2020). Questionnaire, medical chart, and laboratory data were used to examine the associations between demographic characteristics, dietary intake, and nutritional status and sarcopenia, defined as low muscle mass plus reduced strength or poor physical performance. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. The performance variables we measured were grip strength, gait speed, and chair stand time. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors, and linear regression was used to assess the contributions of these factors to performance measures. <b>Results:</b> Sarcopenia was identified in 159 (27.0%) of the 588 participants. Those with sarcopenia had lower education levels, poorer nutritional status, weaker grip strength, and slower mobility. Daily intakes of sea vegetables (adjusted OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.20-0.74) and fresh fruits (adjusted OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.16-0.49) were independently associated with reduced risk of sarcopenia. Sea vegetable intake was positively associated with grip strength, while fruit intake was inversely associated with chair stand time. <b>Conclusions:</b> Dietary factors and nutritional status were significantly associated with sarcopenia risk and physical performance. Sarcopenia prevention strategies might want to include promoting the consumption of sea vegetables and fruits.