Jiangnan dietary pattern actively prevents muscle mass loss: Based on a cohort study

Abstract Background The proportion of sarcopenia in the elderly is very high, although muscle mass loss before sarcopenia covers a wider population. The present study aimed to analyse the effects of different dietary patterns on muscle mass. Methods In both 2015 and 2018, using multilayer random sampling, the same participants were selected, and the same questionnaires and machines were used. Results In total, 502 participants were selected. The >65‐year‐old group showed maximum muscle mass loss in males and females (−1.53 kg ± 4.42 and −1.14 kg ± 2.6 on average, respectively). The cumulative variance of four dietary patterns reached 52.28%. Logistical regression revealed significant differences between ʻJiangnan Dietaryʼ groups: Q2 vs. Q1 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.356, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.202–0.629]; Q3 vs. Q1 (OR = 0.457, 95% CI = 0.262–0.797). Relative influence factors for muscle mass loss were age (>65 vs. <45, OR = 2.027, 95% CI = 1.117–3.680), physical activity (OR = 0.550, 95% CI = 0.315–0.960), income (high vs. low, OR = 0.413, 95% CI = 0.210 –0.810), sex (female vs. male, OR = 0.379, 95% CI = 0.235–0.519). Conclusions After 3 years of follow‐up, participants' muscle mass declined significantly. The ʻJiangnan Dietaryʼ pattern prevented muscle mass loss and is recommended to the wider population.