Large-scale Chinese study suggests protective effect on muscle health
A recent population-based study published in Scientific Reports has found that frequent nut consumption is associated with a significantly lower prevalence of sarcopenia, a type of age-related muscle loss, among older Chinese adults.
Using data from 14,281 participants aged 65 and older, researchers assessed the frequency of nut intake and its relationship to sarcopenia. After controlling for potential confounding factors, the study found that participants who consumed nuts almost daily had 38% lower odds of sarcopenia compared to those who rarely or never ate nuts. The study also revealed a significant dose-response relationship, with sarcopenia risk decreasing as nut intake increased.
These findings suggest that regular nut consumption may support musculoskeletal health and could play a role in strategies to prevent sarcopenia in aging populations.
Xu, J., Pu, K., Sun, W., Pang, C., Li, D., & Zang, S. (2025). Association of nut consumption and sarcopenia in Chinese older adults. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 17598.