Green tea consumption is associated with lower risk of sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

Abstract

Sarcopenia is an age-related progressive disease characterized by loss of muscle mass accompanied with low muscle strength and/or physical performance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between green tea intake and sarcopenia in a Chinese population of community-dwelling older adults. A cross-sectional retrospective study with 2553 participants aged ≥65 years was performed. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength, and gait speed were measured to assess sarcopenia. A quantitative questionnaire was used to obtain information of green tea consumption. Sarcopenia group had lower proportion of green tea consumers when compared to the non-sarcopenia group (21.6% vs. 28.1%, P = .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that green tea intake was associated with decreased risk of sarcopenia (OR = 0.695, 95% CI = 0.547-0.882, P = .003). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the association of green tea intake with sarcopenia was significant in individuals who drank a small amount (<125 g/month) and weak tea. Moreover, green tea consumers had higher ASMI and faster gait speed than non-green tea consumers. Our results suggest that green tea intake is associated with decreased risk of sarcopenia in a Chinese population of older adults, especially for those who prefer weak tea. Key messages What is already known on this topic: Although in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the protective effects of polyphenols on aging-related muscle loss and muscle dysfunction; however, the relationship between green tea consumption and the risk of sarcopenia remains unclear. What this study adds: Our findings demonstrate that green tea consumers had higher appendicular skeletal muscle mass index and faster gait speed than non-green tea consumers. Moreover, green tea consumption is associated with lower risk of sarcopenia in the older adults, especially for those who prefer weak tea. How this study might affect research, practice or policy: Our results suggest that drinking proper amount of green tea might be a health-promoting lifestyle for the prevention of sarcopenia in the older adults.