Mixed
Higher dietary diversity, specifically protein-enriched and anti-inflammatory dietary diversity, is associated with a lower prevalence of low muscle mass (LMM) in older Chinese adults.
For older adults, simply increasing the variety of foods consumed—specifically ensuring regular intake of protein-rich sources (meat, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts) and anti-inflammatory foods (vegetables, fruits, tea)—is associated with a significantly lower risk of low muscle mass. Aim for a diverse plate rather than focusing on a single supplement or food group.
In the fully adjusted model, we found that higher dietary diversity indices (DDI, PEDDI, and AIDDI) were inversely associated with the prevalence of LMM. Specifically, each 1-unit increase in DDI, PEDDI, and AIDDI scores was associated with 8% (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.89–0.95), 6% (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91–0.98), and 13% (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.82–0.91) lower odds of LMM, respectively.
Why this rating
Large sample size (n=12,986) and robust statistical adjustment, but cross-sectional design prevents causal inference.
Source
Associations of protein-enriched dietary diversity, anti-inflammatory dietary diversity, and low muscle mass among older Chinese adults: a nationwide cross-sectional analysis
Tongxu Zhang et al. · BMC Geriatrics · 2025
DOI 10.1186/s12877-025-06596-z
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