Dietary Leucine and Total Polyphenol Intake and Their Associations with Sarcopenia Indicators Among Older People Participating in the Program for Complementary Food in Older People (PACAM) in the Metropolitan Region, Santiago de Chile.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Sarcopenia is a prevalent condition among older people that significantly compromises functional capacity and quality of life. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between leucine and total polyphenol intake and indicators of sarcopenia in 181 older people from the Metropolitan Region of Chile enrolled in the PACAM program.

METHODS

Dietary intake was assessed using three non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. Leucine intake was estimated using Food Processor II software and compared with a 3 g/day anabolic threshold, while total daily polyphenol intake (mg/day) was calculated from Phenol-Explorer content data. Both dietary variables were examined in relation to sarcopenia status (presence/absence) as defined by the established European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) diagnostic criteria. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U tests for continuous variables, chi-square tests for categorical variables, and multivariable logistic regression models, with results expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs); significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The median intakes of leucine and total polyphenols were 2.2 g/day and 499.33 mg/day, respectively, with total polyphenols derived mainly from fruits and vegetables. No significant associations were observed between leucine or total polyphenol intake and sarcopenia status, either in absolute terms or when categorized by the anabolic thresholds (≥3 g/day and ≥1000 mg/day, respectively). In multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, BMI, total protein and total energy intake, neither leucine nor total polyphenol intake showed independent associations with sarcopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample of older Chilean people, habitual intake of leucine and total polyphenols was not associated with sarcopenia status, suggesting that current intake levels may not be sufficient to produce measurable effects on muscle health under real-world conditions.