Macro partitioning
Higher self-reported protein and energy intake is significantly associated with greater appendicular lean mass (ALM) in older adults performing resistance training, whereas muscle strength (handgrip) is not associated with nutritional intake.
If you are an older adult doing resistance training, ensure you are eating enough protein and total energy. This study shows that higher intake correlates with higher muscle mass, even in people who are already exercising. Don't rely on exercise alone; nutrition is a key lever for maintaining muscle.
ALM had a significant moderate, positive correlation with self-reported protein (p = 0.047) and energy (p = 0.038) intake, indicating that low lean mass is associated with low protein/energy intake.
Why this rating
Cross-sectional design limits causal inference; sample size is moderate (n=80) with subgroups.
Source
Associations of Sarcopenia Components With Physical Activity and Nutrition in Australian Older Adults Performing Exercise Training
Ewelina Akehurst et al. · Research Square · 2020
DOI 10.21203/rs.3.rs-71447/v1
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Related findings · Macro partitioning
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