Bioactive Foods Decrease Liver and Brain Alterations Induced by a High-Fat-Sucrose Diet through Restoration of Gut Microbiota and Antioxidant Enzymes

Obesity is associated with cognitive deficit and liver alterations; however, it remains unclear whether a combination of functional foods could reverse cognitive damage and to what extent it would be associated with changes in gut microbiota and liver. With this aim, male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat-5%sucrose diet (HFS) for 4 mo. And were then fed for 1 mo. with bioactive foods. At the end of this period, liver, serum, feces, intestine, and brain samples were taken. Body composition, energy expenditure, LPS, hormones, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, behavioral tests, and gut microbiota were evaluated. We showed that male rats fed high-fat-sucrose diet developed gut microbiota dysbiosis, increased in body fat, decreased antioxidant activity, decreased brain neuropeptide Y, increased the number of astrocytes and activated microglia, along with reduced spine density associated with deficits in working memory. Ingestion of a combination of nopal, soy protein, curcumin, and chia seed oil (bioactive foods) for three months was associated with an increase in a cluster of bacteria with anti-inflammatory capacity, a decrease in serum LPS levels and an increase in serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) with neuroprotective properties. In the liver, ingestion of bioactive food significantly increased antioxidant enzymes, decreased lipogenesis, reduced inflammation mediated by the TLR4-TNFα pathway along with a decrease in body fat, glucose intolerance, and metabolic inflexibility. Finally, neuroinflammation in the brain was reduced and working memory improved. Our study demonstrates that consumption of bioactive foods was associated with reduced liver, brain, and gut microbiota alterations in obese rats.     

Systematic Review of the Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on the Gut Microbiome of Older Adults

Recent evidence suggests that exercise/physical activity (PA) can beneficially alter the gut microbiome composition of young people, but little is known about its effects in older adults. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize results of human studies that have assessed the effects/associations of PA/exercise on the gut microbiome of older adults and to better understand whether this can help promote healthy ageing. Seven studies were included in the review and overall, exercise and increased amounts of PA were associated with decreases in the abundance of several well-known harmful taxa and increases in the abundance of health-promoting taxa. Altogether, the findings from the included studies suggest that exercise/PA have a beneficial impact on the gut health of older adults by improving the gut microbiome composition. However, due to methodological and sampling disparities, it was not possible to reach a consensus on which taxa were most affected by exercise or PA.     

Vegan Diet and the Gut Microbiota Composition in Healthy Adults

The human gut microbiota are the microorganisms (generally bacteria and archaea) that live in the digestive tracts of humans. Due to their numerous functions, the gut microbiota can be considered a virtual organ of the body, playing a pivotal role in health maintenance. Dietary habits contribute to gut microbiota composition, and evidence from observational and intervention studies suggest that vegan diets may promote health, potentially through affecting the diverse ecosystem of beneficial bacteria in the gut. A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus to identify studies investigating the microbiota composition in vegans. Vegans are defined as people excluding food products that are derived from animals from their diet. Nine observational studies were identified. The main outcome of the systematic review was an increase in Bacteroidetes on the phylum level and a higher abundance of Prevotella on the genus level. In conclusion, the present systematic literature review highlighted some benefits of a vegan diet but also demonstrated the complexity of evaluating results from gut microbiota research. The available evidence only consisted of cross-sectional studies, therefore suggesting the need for well-designed randomised controlled trials. Furthermore, the quality assessment of the studies included in the review suggested a lack of standardised and validated methods for participant selection as well as for faecal sampling and faecal analysis.     

Taxonomic Composition and Diversity of the Gut Microbiota in Relation to Habitual Dietary Intake in Korean Adults

We investigated associations of habitual dietary intake with the taxonomic composition and diversity of the human gut microbiota in 222 Koreans aged 18–58 years in a cross-sectional study. Gut microbiota data were obtained by 16S rRNA gene sequencing on DNA extracted from fecal samples. The habitual diet for the previous year was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. After multivariable adjustment, intake of several food groups including vegetables, fermented legumes, legumes, dairy products, processed meat, and non-alcoholic beverages were associated with major phyla of the gut microbiota. A dietary pattern related to higher α-diversity (HiαDP) derived by reduced rank regression was characterized by higher intakes of fermented legumes, vegetables, seaweeds, and nuts/seeds and lower intakes of non-alcoholic beverages. The HiαDP was positively associated with several genera of Firmicutes such as Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, and Eubacterium (all p < 0.05). Among enterotypes identified by principal coordinate analysis based on the β-diversity, the Ruminococcus enterotype had higher HiαDP scores and was strongly positively associated with intakes of vegetables, seaweeds, and nuts/seeds, compared to the two other enterotypes. We conclude that a plant- and fermented food-based diet was positively associated with some genera of Firmicutes (e.g., Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, and Eubacterium) reflecting better gut microbial health.     

Effect of Freezing on Gut Microbiota Composition and Functionality for In Vitro Fermentation Experiments

The gut microbiota has a profound effect on human health and is modulated by food and bioactive compounds. To study such interaction, in vitro batch fermentations are performed with fecal material, and some experimental designs may require that such fermentations be performed with previously frozen stools. Although it is known that freezing fecal material does not alter the composition of the microbial community in 16S rRNA gene amplicon and metagenomic sequencing studies, it is not known whether the microbial community in frozen samples could still be used for in vitro fermentations. To explore this, we undertook a pilot study in which in vitro fermentations were performed with fecal material from celiac, cow’s milk allergic, obese, or lean children that was frozen (or not) with 20% glycerol. Before fermentation, the fecal material was incubated in a nutritious medium for 6 days, with the aim of giving the microbial community time to recover from the effects of freezing. An aliquot was taken daily from the stabilization vessel and used for the in vitro batch fermentation of lentils. The microbial community structure was significantly different between fresh and frozen samples, but the variation introduced by freezing a sample was always smaller than the variation among individuals, both before and after fermentation. Moreover, the potential functionality (as determined in silico by a genome-scaled metabolic reconstruction) did not differ significantly, possibly due to functional redundancy. The most affected genus was Bacteroides, a fiber degrader. In conclusion, if frozen fecal material is to be used for in vitro fermentation purposes, our preliminary analyses indicate that the functionality of microbial communities can be preserved after stabilization.     

The Changing Face of Food and Nutrition in Canada and the United States: Opportunities and Challenges for Older Adults

ABSTRACT

Science and technology are modernizing the field of nutrition and are consequently increasing its complexity. New food developments such as fortified foods and functional foods are evidence of its modernization. The increased specificity of nutrient- and food-intake recommendations and the breadth of claims on food packages are evidence of nutrition's growing complexity. Unfortunately, research on the consumer acceptability of new food developments and nutrition education initiatives has not kept pace with advancements in the field. This is especially true for older adults, a subgroup of the population that appears to be under-researched and not commonly targeted with education initiatives. Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the North American population. Research and education aimed at this demographic is warranted to ensure older adults have the right knowledge and skill set to optimize their food selections and dietary patterns with the possibility of improving health and the quality and longevity of life.     

Exploration of Functional Food Consumption in Older Adults in Relation to Food Matrices,Bioactive Ingredients,and Health

The functional food industry is expanding, yet research into consumer perceptions of functional foods is limited. Older adults could benefit from functional foods due to age-related food and health issues. This research gathered information about functional foods from community-dwelling older adults (n = 200) who completed a researcher-administered questionnaire about consumption, food matrices, bioactive ingredients, and health areas addressed through functional foods. Overall prevalence of functional food consumption was found to be 93.0%. Commonly consumed foods included yogurt with probiotics (56.0%), eggs with omega-3 fatty acids (37.0%), and bread with fiber (35.5%). Functional food matrices primarily consumed were yogurt (51.5%), bread (44.0%), and cereal (40.0%). The primary functional food bioactive consumed was dietary fiber (79.5%). Most participants (86.2%) indicated that they consume functional foods to improve health, and the major areas specified were osteoporosis/bone health (67.5%), heart disease (61.0%), and arthritis (55.0%). These results inform health professionals regarding the potential of functional foods to support health among older adults.     

Association of Body Mass Index and Plant-Based Diet with Cognitive Impairment among Older Chinese Adults: A Prospective,Nationwide Cohort Study

To examine the association of body mass index (BMI) and a plant-based diet (PBD) with cognitive impairment in older adults, this cohort study used data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), a national, community-based, longitudinal, prospective study in China. Cognitive function was evaluated via the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Diet was assessed using a simplified food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and PBD patterns were estimated using the overall plant-based diet index (PDI), the healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and the unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI). BMI was measured objectively during the physical examination. Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used. A total of 4792 participants with normal cognition at baseline were included, and 1077 participants were identified as having developed cognitive impairment during the 24,156 person-years of follow-up. A reverse J-shaped association was observed between BMI and cognitive impairment (p = 0.005 for nonlinearity). Participants who were overweight (HR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.66–0.95) and obese (HR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.54–0.96) had a decreased risk of cognitive impairment, while those who were underweight (HR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.21–1.66) had an increased risk. Lower PDI, lower hPDI, and higher uPDI were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment (HR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.16–1.50 for PDI; HR = 1.46; 95% CI 1.29–1.66 for hPDI; HR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.06–1.38 for uPDI). The protective effect of being overweight on cognitive impairment was more pronounced among participants with a higher PDI (HR = 0.74; 95% CI 0.57–0.95) than those with a lower PDI (HR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.67–1.12), among participants with a higher hPDI (HR = 0.73; 95% CI 0.57–0.94) than those with a lower hPDI (HR = 0.93; 95% CI 0.72–1.10), and among participants with a lower uPDI (HR = 0.61; 95% CI 0.46–0.80) than those with a higher uPDI (HR = 1.01; 95% CI 0.80–1.27). Our results support the positive associations of overweight status, obesity, an overall PBD, and a healthful PBD with cognitive function in older adults. A lower adherence to an overall PBD, a healthful PBD, and a higher adherence to an unhealthful PBD may attenuate the protective effect of being overweight on cognitive function.     

Osteosarcopenia Predicts Falls,Fractures, and Mortality in Chilean Community-Dwelling Older Adults

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of osteosarcopenia and its association with falls, fractures, and mortality in community-dwelling older adults.DesignFollow-up of ALEXANDROS cohorts designed to study disability associated with obesity in older adults.Setting and ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling people aged 60 years and older living in Chile.MeasuresAt baseline, 1119 of 2372 participants had a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan and the measurements for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. World Health Organization standards for bone mineral density were used to classify them as normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Sarcopenia was identified using the algorithm from the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 1, validated for the Chilean population.Osteosarcopenia was defined as having sarcopenia plus osteoporosis or osteopenia.ResultsThe sample of 1119 participants (68.5% female) had a mean age of 72 years. At baseline, osteoporosis was identified in 23.2%, osteopenia in 49.8%, sarcopenia in 19.5%, and osteosarcopenia in 16.4% of the sample. The prevalence of osteosarcopenia increases with age, reaching 33.7% for those older than 80 years. Sarcopenia was found in 34.4% of osteoporotic people and osteoporosis in 40.8% of those with sarcopenia. After 5640 person-years of follow-up, 86 people died. The mortality was significantly higher for the group with osteosarcopenia (15.9%) compared with those without the condition (6.1%). After an adjusted Cox Regression analysis, the hazard ratio for death in people with osteosarcopenia was 2.48. Falls, fractures, and functional impairment were significantly more frequent in osteosarcopenic patients.Conclusions and ImplicationsOsteosarcopenia is a common condition among older adults and is associated with an increased risk of falls, fractures, functional impairment, and mortality. Considering the high proportion of sarcopenia among osteoporotic patients and vice versa, screening for the second condition when the first is suspected should be advised.     

Poor Nutritional Status among Low-Income Older Adults: Examining the Interconnection between Self-Care Capacity,Food Insecurity,and Depression

BackgroundUnderstanding of the mechanisms of how food insecurity and poor physical and mental health status are interrelated with nutritional status among older adults is needed due to their unique health and social needs.ObjectiveTo examine the complex relationships between self-care capacity, depressive symptoms, food insecurity, and nutritional status among low-income older adults.DesignThe cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2017 to May 2017.Participants/settingA total of 372 low-income older adults, 60 years of age and older, living in the state of Alabama participated.Main outcome measuresParticipants completed a validated survey measuring food insecurity (six-item US Food Security Survey Module), self-care capacity (Self-Care Capacity Scale), depressive symptoms (10-item Geriatric Depression Scale), and nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form).Statistical analyses performedGeneralized structural equation modeling was used to include the simultaneous equations and multiple mediators in one model. The Akaike Information Criterion, Bayesian Information Criterion, and likelihood ratio tests were conducted to compare the fit of competing model specifications.ResultsLower self-care capacity was associated with greater food insecurity (beta [b]=.11, odds ratio [OR]=1.11, P=0.03) and higher depressive symptoms (b=.08, P=0.005). Poorer self-care capacity and higher depressive symptoms were associated with poorer nutritional status (b=.24, OR=1.27, P<0.001; b=.13, OR=1.43, P=0.001, respectively). Higher food insecurity was associated with increased depressive symptoms (b=.40, P<0.001). Self-care capacity was associated with nutritional status directly and indirectly through depressive symptoms (b=.04, P=0.048). Although food insecurity was not significantly associated with nutritional status, a significant indirect association between food insecurity and nutritional status through depressive symptoms was observed (b=.02, P=0.04).ConclusionsStudy results indicate functionally impaired low-income older adults encounter greater food insecurity. Inability to afford food combined with limited ability to take care of oneself contributes to an increased self-report of depressive symptoms, resulting in less favorable nutritional status.     

The Association of Dietary Patterns and Weight Change in Rural Older Adults 75 Years and Older

Little is known about the relationship between weight change and dietary patterns (DP) in older adults, especially in those of advanced age (≥75 years). We examined the association of DP with obesity and five-year weight change in community-dwelling older adults (n = 270; mean ± SD age: 78.6 ± 3.9 years). Dietary data were collected from four, random, 24-hour dietary recalls over a 10-month period. Weight change was examined as: (1) 10-pound weight loss; (2) 10-pound weight gain; (3) 10% weight loss; and (4) 10% weight gain. Cluster analysis was used to derive 3 DP (“Health-conscious,” “Sweets and dairy,” and “Western”). Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used. About 39% of participants lost at least 10 pounds during follow up. In the unadjusted model, five-year weight loss was not associated with dietary pattern. However, when stratified by gender, females who were characterized by the Sweets and Dairy and the Western DP were three and two times more likely to lose 10 pounds, respectively, compared to those in the Health-conscious DP (P < 0.05). These observations suggest that it is appropriate to recommend a Health-conscious DP for women 75 years and older who may be at risk for weight loss.     

Mediterranean Diet and Risk of Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Background and ObjectiveLow intake of certain micronutrients and protein has been associated with higher risk of frailty. However, very few studies have assessed the effect of global dietary patterns on frailty. This study examined the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and the risk of frailty in older adults.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsProspective cohort study with 1815 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥60 years recruited in 2008–2010 in Spain.MeasurementsAt baseline, the degree of MD adherence was measured with the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score and the Mediterranean Diet Score, also known as the Trichopoulou index. In 2012, individuals were reassessed to detect incident frailty, defined as having at least 3 of the following criteria: exhaustion, muscle weakness, low physical activity, slow walking speed, and weight loss. The study associations were summarized with odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) obtained from logistic regression, with adjustment for the main confounders.ResultsOver a mean follow-up of 3.5 years, 137 persons with incident frailty were identified. Compared with individuals in the lowest tertile of the MEDAS score (lowest MD adherence), the OR (95% CI) of frailty was 0.85 (0.54–1.36) in those in the second tertile, and 0.65 (0.40–1.04; P for trend = .07) in the third tertile. Corresponding figures for the Mediterranean Diet Score were 0.59 (0.37–0.95) and 0.48 (0.30–0.77; P for trend = .002). Being in the highest tertile of MEDAS was associated with reduced risk of slow walking (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.35–0.79) and of weight loss (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.36–0.80). Lastly, the risk of frailty was inversely associated with consumption of fish (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.45–0.97) and fruit (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.39–0.91).ConclusionsAmong community-dwelling older adults, an increasing adherence to the MD was associated with decreasing risk of frailty.     

Measurements of Intrinsic Capacity in Older Adults: A Scoping Review and Quality Assessment

ObjectivesThis review summarizes the measurements of intrinsic capacity in 5 domains across different studies and evaluates the quality of research papers.DesignScoping review of papers written in English and Chinese published in peer-reviewed journals.Setting and ParticipantsThe intrinsic capacity of older adults was assessed using the multidomain structure (Cognition, Locomotion, Psychological, Sensory and Vitality) proposed by the World Health Organization.MethodsWe searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science for papers in English, and CNKI, CBM for papers written in Chinese published until September 13, 2022. Both cross-sectional and cohort studies of multidomain measurements of intrinsic capacity were included. Three independent reviewers appraised the quality of studies, and Cohen’s kappa was calculated to determine interrater reliability. Data were listed by author, year, setting, country, age range and number of participants, measurement and calculation of intrinsic capacity, and data acquisition method.ResultsWe included 53 studies. Twenty-one studies were of high quality, 31 studies were of moderate quality, and 1 study was of low quality. Measurements of intrinsic capacity and derivation of the summative index score were heterogeneous. Intrinsic capacity was usually assessed in 4 or 5 domains. Sensory was the most frequently overlooked domain or subdivided into vision and hearing in some studies. Indicators of vitality were the most heterogeneous. We also found consistency in heterogeneous measurements. The most common measurements of cognition, locomotion, and psychological capacity were the Mini-Mental State Examination, Short Physical Performance Battery, and Geriatric Depression Scale respectively. Self-reported questionnaires were commonly adopted in sensory domain. The Mini-Nutritional Assessment and grip strength were the most measured indicators of vitality.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe focus on capacity and disease should be balanced to better promote healthy aging in older adults. Heterogeneity of intrinsic capacity measurements underscores the need for consensus about standardized measurements and calculation procedures.     

Plasma Levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Derived Oxylipins Are Associated with Fecal Microbiota Composition in Young Adults

Pre-clinical studies suggest that circulating oxylipins, i.e., the oxidation products of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), modulate gut microbiota composition in mice, but there is no information available in humans. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between omega-3 and omega-6 derived oxylipins plasma levels and fecal microbiota composition in a cohort of young adults. 80 young adults (74% women; 21.9 ± 2.2 years old) were included in this cross-sectional study. Plasma levels of oxylipins were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Fecal microbiota composition was analyzed by V3-V4 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We observed that plasma levels of omega-3 derived oxylipins were positively associated with the relative abundance of Clostridium cluster IV genus (Firmicutes phylum; rho ≥ 0.415, p ≤ 0.009) and negatively associated with the relative abundance of Sutterella genus (Proteobacteria phylum; rho ≥ −0.270, p ≤ 0.041), respectively. Moreover, plasma levels of omega-6 derived oxylipins were negatively associated with the relative abundance of Acidaminococcus and Phascolarctobacterium genera (Firmicutes phylum; all rho ≥ −0.263, p ≤ 0.024), as well as Sutterella, Succinivibrio, and Gemmiger genera (Proteobacteria phylum; all rho ≥ −0.263, p ≤ 0.024). Lastly, the ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 oxylipins plasma levels was negatively associated with the relative abundance of Clostridium cluster IV genus (Firmicutes phylum; rho = −0.334, p = 0.004) and Butyricimonas genus (Bacteroidetes phylum; rho = −0.292, p = 0.014). In conclusion, our results show that the plasma levels of omega-3 and omega-6 derived oxylipins are associated with the relative abundance of specific fecal bacteria genera.     

Somatosensation Differences in Older Adults with and Without Diabetes,and by Age Group

The purpose of this study was to determine differences in somatosensation between older adults with and without type 2 diabetes among three age groups (60s, 70s, and 80s). We recruited 67 adults with type 2 diabetes and 67 age-matched adults without diabetes, aged 60–85. Data were collected using measures in Somatosensory Domain of the National Institute of Health (NIH) Toolbox. We found significant differences in the total scores of five tests examining kinesthesia, tactile sensation, and stereognosis among the three age groups. For all significant differences, the nondiabetes group and those in their 60s and 70s had better functioning than the diabetes group and those in their 80s. The NIH Toolbox-Somatosensory Tools used in this study may be more suitable to discriminate among age groups rather than diagnostic groups.     

Prevalence and Incidence of Frailty Among Community-dwelling Older Adults in Slovenia

IntroductionFrailty is recognized as one of the most important global health challenges as the population is aging. The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence and incidence of frailty, and associated factors, among the population of older adults in Slovenia compared to other European countries.MethodsThe prevalence and 4-year incidence of frailty among older adults (≥65 years) were evaluated using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Frailty was defined by the SHARE operationalization of Frailty phenotype. Multiple logistic regression model was used to explore factors associated with frailty.ResultsAge-standardized prevalence (95% CI) of frailty and pre-frailty in Slovenia were 14.9% (13.3-16.5) and 42.5% (39.8-45.2), respectively. Factors (OR, 95% CI) associated with increased frailty in Slovenia included age (7584 years: 5.03 (3.08-8.22); ≥85 years 21.7 (10.6-44.7) vs. 65-74 years), self-rated health (fair: 4.58 (2.75-7.61), poor: 54.6 (28.1-105.9) vs. excellent/very good/good), number of chronic diseases (1.20 (1.03-1.40)), and polypharmacy (yes: 3.25 (1.93-5.48) vs. no). Female gender and lower education were significantly associated with pre-frailty, but not frailty, in the adjusted model. Independently of these characteristics, age-standardized prevalence of frailty varied among geographical regions. Age-standardized 4-year incidence of frailty and pre-frailty in Slovenia were 6.6% (3.0-10.1) and 40.2% (32.7-47.6), respectively.ConclusionAmong the Slovenian population of older adults aged 65 years and older, the age-standardized prevalence of frailty is 15% and 4-year incidence of frailty is 7%. Regional differences in Slovenia show the lowest prevalence in central Slovenian regions and the highest in northeastern Slovenian regions.     

The Crosstalk between the Gut Microbiota Composition and the Clinical Course of Allergic Rhinitis: The Use of Probiotics,Prebiotics and Bacterial Lysates in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Although massive progress in discovering allergic rhinitis (AR) aetiology has been made in recent years, its prevalence is still rising and it significantly impacts patients’ lives. That is why further and non-conventional research elucidating the role of new factors in AR pathogenesis is needed, facilitating discoveries of new treatment approaches. One of these factors is the gut microbiota, with its specific roles in health and disease. This review presents the process of gut microbiota development, especially in early life, focusing on its impact on the immune system. It emphasizes the link between the gut microbiota composition and immune changes involved in AR development. Specifically, it elucidates the significant link between bacteria colonizing the gut and the Th1/Th2 imbalance. Probiotics, prebiotics and bacterial lysates, which are medications that restore the composition of intestinal bacteria and indirectly affect the clinical course of AR, are also discussed.     

Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

ObjectiveTo establish and validate a nomogram that predicts the risk of sarcopenia for community-dwelling older residents.DesignRetrospective study.Setting and ParticipantsA total of 1050 community-dwelling older adults.MethodsData from a survey of community-dwelling older residents (≥60 years old) in Hunan, China, from June to September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The survey included general demographic information, diet, and exercise habits. Sarcopenia diagnosis was according to 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Participants were randomly divided into the development group and validation groups. Independent risk factors were screened by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Based on the independent risk factors, a nomogram model was developed to predict the risk of sarcopenia for community-dwelling older adults. Both in the development and validation sets, the discrimination, calibration, and clinical practicability of the nomogram were verified using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis, respectively.ResultsSarcopenia was identified in 263 (25.0%) participants. Age, body mass index, marital status, regular physical activity habit, uninterrupted sedentary time, and dietary diversity score were significant contributors to sarcopenia risk. A nomogram for predicting sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults was developed using these factors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.827 (95% CI 0.792-0.860) and 0.755 (95% CI 0.680-0.837) in the development and validation sets, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test yielded P values of .609 and .565, respectively, for the 2 sets. The nomogram demonstrated a high net benefit in the clinical decision curve in both sets.Conclusions and ImplicationsThis study developed and validated a risk prediction nomogram for sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults. Sarcopenia risk was classified as low (<11%), moderate (11%-70%), and high (>70%). This nomogram provides an accurate visual tool to medical staff, caregivers, and older adults for prediction, early intervention, and graded management of sarcopenia.