Dietary Strategies for Sarcopenia Management: Insights into BioactiveCompounds and Functional Food-Based Interventions

Abstract: A major health problem worldwide is the loss of muscle mass and function as we age. The current treatment methods are hindered by the multifactorial nature of the disease and the reduced response of older adults to conventional protein supplementation treatment. There are several ongoing studies on the use of dietary protein and exercise, with a lack of integrated evidence on the application of functional food and bioactive compounds for the management of sarcopenia. This review focuses on this gap by synthesising findings from preclinical and clinical studies to evaluate the potential role of bioactive compounds such as omega -3- fatty acids, amino acid derivatives, polyphenols, and postbiotic metabolites in managing inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired protein homeostasis, and hormonal alterations. This review also highlights advancements in food processing technologies, such as nanodelivery systems and microencapsulation, that enhance the bioavailability and stability of these bioactive compounds. Additionally, population-specific factors influencing the risk of sarcopenia, including ethnic variability, dietary patterns, and sociocultural determinants, are also discussed to emphasize the importance of tailored nutritional strategies. As a secondary review, this work integrates the emerging evidence, outlines future priorities for integrating functional foods and bioactiverich interventions into a comprehensive sarcopenia management framework, and identifies the limitations in current methodologies. Overall, this review focuses on the potential of innovative dietary approaches in addition to complementing existing therapeutic methods for healthy aging.