Macro partitioning
In 60–65-year-old women, skeletal muscle mass is independently predicted by protein intake per kilogram of body weight, whereas in men of the same age, muscle mass is associated with protein intake and hard leisure-time physical activity, but not other dietary factors.
For seniors aged 60-65, maintaining muscle mass requires sex-specific strategies. Women should focus on adequate protein intake per kg of body weight combined with moderate health-related physical activity, as other nutrients like magnesium and phosphorus also play a role. Men should prioritize total protein intake and engage in harder, vigorous leisure-time physical activity, as other dietary factors do not significantly predict muscle mass in this group.
In multivariate models, protein intake remained the only predictor. In men, only protein intake per kilogram of body weight demonstrated a significant association with muscle mass; no other dietary or PA factors were retained in the model.
Why this rating
Cross-sectional observational study with a moderate sample size (n=272) and self-reported dietary/PA data, limiting causal inference.
Source
Dietary and Physical Activity Correlates of Muscle Mass in 60–65-Year-Old Seniors: A Gender-Specific Analysis
Bartłomiej K. Sołtysik et al. · Nutrients · 2025
DOI 10.3390/nu17111930
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