(P11-041-23) The Relationship Between Sarcopenia and Hair Mineral Concentrations

Objectives: Sarcopenia is a progressive skeletal muscle disorder that involves age-related loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. Muscle health plays an important role in maintaining function and independence in the elderly, and some nutrients provide protection against the age-related decline of muscle strength and function. Minerals are important nutrients that may contribute to the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, but they have not been well-studied. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the associations between hair mineral concentrations and sarcopenia.

Methods: This study examined whether hair mineral concentrations differ between subjects with low muscle mass (LMM) and subjects with normal muscle mass. The association between hair mineral concentrations and skeletal muscle mass was analyzed in 232 Korean adults (25 subjects with LMM and 207 subjects with normal muscle mass).

Results: Subjects with LMM showed significantly lower triglyceride levels, greater high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and lower body mass index (BMI), compared with subjects who had normal muscle mass. No significant differences in hair mineral concentrations were observed between subjects with LMM and subjects with normal muscle mass, with the exception of copper. Hair copper concentrations were significantly greater in subjects with LMM after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusions: These results suggest that hair mineral status may play a role in the development of LMM. Therefore, further studies with larger numbers of subjects are required to identify the effects of mineral imbalances, their relationships with sarcopenia, and the differences between subjects with LMM and subjects with normal muscle mass.

Funding Sources: Not applicable