Mixed
Higher overall diet quality, particularly adherence to Mediterranean-style dietary patterns, is associated with a lower risk of declines in physical performance (walking speed, mobility) in older adults.
For older adults, prioritizing overall diet quality—specifically patterns like the Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and olive oil—is strongly linked to maintaining physical mobility and walking speed. While the link to muscle mass is less clear, improving diet quality is a key strategy for preserving physical function and reducing the risk of mobility disability.
There was strong and consistent observational evidence for a link between 'healthier' diets and lower risk of declines in physical performance.
Why this rating
The review identifies 'strong and consistent observational evidence' from multiple longitudinal studies, though it notes the evidence for muscle mass and strength is limited or inconsistent.
Source
Diet Quality and Sarcopenia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Ilse Bloom et al. · Nutrients · 2018
DOI 10.3390/nu10030308
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