Association between vitamins and sarcopenia / 中华老年医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by a decreased skeletal muscle mass, a reduced strength, and a decreased performance.A key component of sarcopenia management is nutritional intervention.Currently, most of research focused on the roles of protein-energy metabolism and essential amino acids or their metabolites in the intervention of sarcopenia.However, as an important nutrient, little is known about the role of vitamins in sarcopenia.This review summarized the state-of-the-art evidence regarding the associations of vitamin D, B, C, E, and carotenoid with sarcopenia.Based on observational studies, a robust relationship between different types of vitamins and sarcopenia has been established, which implies that vitamin supplementation may be valuable for preventing sarcopenia in the elderly, especially in those with vitamin deficiencies.However, there are few clinical trials to explore the effects of vitamins for preventing or treating sarcopenia.Well-designed clinical trials are therefore needed to address this important issue.