Comparison of calorie and nutrient intake among elderly with and without sarcopenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Context Sarcopenia, besides having an impact on functional capacity, has been associated with increased hospitalization and mortality, and stands out as an essential cause of disability among older people. Objective We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies comparing the calories and nutrients ingested by elderly people with and without sarcopenia. Data sources MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, Cochrane Library, and Scielo databases were searched. Study Selection Studies comparing calories and nutrient intake among elderly people diagnosed with sarcopenia and people without sarcopenia were included. Data Analysis Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using I2 test. Results A total of 23 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The average number of calories and nutrients ingested were significantly lower in elderly study participants with sarcopenia compared with those without sarcopenia. The meta-analyses showed that the average number of calories ingested (n = 19 studies; mean difference, −156.7 kcal; 95%CI, −194.8 to −118.7) were significantly lower in those with sarcopenia than in elderly participants without sarcopenia. Compared to those without sarcopenia, elderly people with sarcopenia consumed lower amounts of proteins; carbohydrates; saturated fatty acids; vitamins A, B12, C, and D; and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and selenium. Conclusions The evidence so far available suggests a difference in caloric, macronutrient (ie, proteins, carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids), and micronutrient (ie calcium, magnesium, sodium, selenium, and vitamins A, B12, C, and D) intake among the elderly with and without sarcopenia. Additional studies are needed to define the best interventions to improve the consumption of calories and nutrients by the aging population.