Rationale: Minerals may contribute to prevent and treat sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the role of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc on muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in older adults.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted between March 2016 and July 2016, in the PubMed database using pre-defined search terms. Articles on the role of dietary mineral intake or mineral serum concentrations on muscle mass, muscle strength, physical performance, and the prevalence of sarcopenia in healthy or frail older adults (average age ≥ 65 years) were selected. Meta-analyses statistic will be performed when possible.
Results: From the 3346 articles found, ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Observational studies showed that serum selenium and calcium intake were significantly associated with muscle mass. Magnesium, based on one randomized controlled trial, selenium, iron, and zinc intake were significantly and positively associated with physical performance in older adults. Magnesium, selenium, calcium, and phosphorus intake were associated with the prevalence of sarcopenia. No studies on the role of sodium or potassium on muscle mass, muscle strength, or physical performance were found. Meta-analysis was not possible due to high heterogeneity.
Conclusion: Minerals may be important nutrients to prevent and treat sarcopenia. Particularly, magnesium, selenium, and calcium seem to be most promising. Most of the included studies, however, were observational studies. Therefore, more randomized controlled trials are needed to elucidate the potential benefits of mineral intake to prevent and treat sarcopenia and support healthy aging.