Dietary index for gut microbiota: A new frontier in sarcopenia prevention

This research examines the correlation between the Dietary Index for Gut Microbiota (DI-GM) and the incidence of sarcopenia. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2016) involving participants aged 20 years or older. The DI-GM, comprising 14 dietary components (10 beneficial and 4 detrimental), was evaluated. Weighted logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between DI-GM and sarcopenia, adjusting for various covariates. In addition, restricted cubic spline analysis was performed. Subgroup and interaction analyses were conducted to explore whether any factors modified this relationship. Among 5908 eligible participants, 474 were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Individuals with sarcopenia exhibited significantly lower DI-GM scores compared with healthy counterparts. A consistent inverse association was observed between DI-GM and sarcopenia across all models. Participants in the highest DI-GM quartile (score ≥ 6) demonstrated a 54% reduced prevalence of sarcopenia (odds ratio = 0.46, 95% confidence interval = 0.28–0.75, P  = .008) relative to the lowest quartile, with a significant dose–response trend ( P for trend = .044). Subgroup analyses corroborated these findings. Higher DI-GM scores are associated with reduced sarcopenia prevalence. These results suggest that dietary interventions targeting gut microbiota modulation may serve as a feasible strategy for sarcopenia prevention and management.