Green tea consumption is associated with lower risk of sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling older adults

Our results suggest that green tea intake is associated with decreased risk of sarcopenia in a Chinese population of older adults, especially for those who prefer weak tea. Key messages What is already known on this topic: Although in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the protective effects of polyphenols on aging-related muscle loss and muscle dysfunction; however, the relationship between green tea consumption and the risk of sarcopenia remains unclear. What this study adds: Our findings demonstrate that green tea consumers had higher appendicular skeletal muscle mass index and faster gait speed than non-green tea consumers. Moreover, green tea consumption is associated with lower risk of sarcopenia in the older adults, especially for those who prefer weak tea. How this study might affect research, practice or policy: Our results suggest that drinking proper amount of green tea might be a health-promoting lifestyle for the prevention of sarcopenia in the older adults.