The association of Ultra-processed Foods and Risk of Sarcopenia among Community- dwelling older adults

Aim : This study was performed to examine the association of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) intake and the risk of sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults. Methods : A total of 368 older adults (mean age: 67.11 ± 6.21 years; 55.2% female) residing in Maragheh City, Iran, were enrolled. Body composition was measured by a body composition analyzer and physical activity by the short-form physical activity questionnaire. UPFs intake was determined using a self-administered 147-item semi-quantitative FFQ and classified according to the NOVA system. Blood samples were also collected to evaluate relevant biochemical parameters. Raw and adjusted logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship of UPF intake tertiles (T) with risk of sarcopenia. Results : Outcomes revealed that the overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 51 individuals (13.9%). In multivariable-adjusted models, higher UPFs intake (T3 vs. T1) was significantly associated with an increased risk of low muscle strength in females (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.08–5.40, P = 0.030) but not in males (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.43–2.04, P = 0.883). No significant associations were observed between UPFs intake and low physical performance (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 0.95–2.94, P = 0.070), low muscle mass (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 0.76–4.36, p = 0.171) or overall sarcopenia (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 0.90–5.06, p = 0.083). Conclusions : Higher UPFs intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of low muscle strength among older women. However, no significant associations were found for other sarcopenia components or overall sarcopenia. Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate the role of UPF intake in the development of sarcopenia in aging populations.