Nutritional Strategies Against Sarcopenia of Aging: Current Evidence and Future Directions

Sarcopenia is the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function that occurs with aging. This condition is associated with increased risk for several adverse health outcomes, including frailty, disability, falls, loss of independent living, and mortality. As yet, no pharmacological treatment exists to halt the progression of sarcopenia; similarly, no pharmacological remedies are available to prevent its onset. The combination of nutritional interventions and physical exercise is currently considered to be the most effective strategy for the management of sarcopenia. In this chapter, the role of nutrition as a countermeasure for sarcopenia is discussed. The chapter is organized into three main sections: established dietary recommendations, novel nutritional candidates, and possible dietary strategies. We conclude with presenting issues related to inappropriate prescription of nutritional supplements, and the prospect of adopting cutting-edge technologies to design targeted dietary interventions.