Association of dietary nutrient density with the risk of sarcopenia and its components in Chinese adults from Henan province

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The Nutrient-Rich Foods (NRF) Index is one of the critical elements of diet quality based on nutrient density. NRF9.2 is a validated tool to assess dietary quality among Chinese adults from Henan province. Previous studies showed that lifestyle interventions may prevent or delay sarcopenia. Nutrient density has not yet been evaluated concerning muscle health. Therefore, the association between the NRF9.2 index and the risk of sarcopenia and its elements was explored based on a cross-sectional study of general Chinese adults from Henan Province. Methods A total of 631 individuals aged 18–75 years recruited in three communities in Henan, China. The criteria for defining sarcopenia were updated by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) in 2019. The NRF9.2 index was calculated based on nine beneficial nutrients and two nutrients to limit, using the algorithm based on sums and 100 kcal. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the risk of sarcopenia and its elements associated with nutrient density. Results A total of 353 non-repetitive foods consumed by subjects were scored using the NRF9.2 algorithms. Vegetables, bacteria and algae, dried beans, products, fruits, and fish had higher NRF9.2 scores, while fast food, alcoholic beverages, sugar, preserved fruits, beverages, and seasonings had lower NRF9.2 scores. After multiple adjustments, participants with the highest NRF9.2 score (the fourth quartile) had a 55% lower risk of low grip strength than those in the lowest group (the first quartile) [OR (95% CI) = 0.45 (0.21,0.93)]. The NRF9.2 score was not related to the risk of sarcopenia, ASMI, or gait speed. Conclusion After multiple adjustments, participants with high nutrient density had a low risk of low grip strength than those with low nutrient density. These results revealed that the nutrient density model can help individuals make healthy food choices and build a healthy diet to decrease the risk of low grip strength.