The Association between Odds of Sarcopenia in Elderly and the Global and Prime Diet Quality Scores: A Case-Control Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Health, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran

2 Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan

3 Center for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK

4 Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran

5 Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

6 Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

7 Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

8 Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran

9 Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

10.30476/ijns.2026.111922.1691

Abstract

Background: The gradual loss of skeletal muscle associated with aging is called sarcopenia, which significantly affects the health and independence of the elderly. Although dietary quality has been suggested as a modifiable risk factor, evidence remains limited. The goal of our research was to evaluate the link between sarcopenia and two comprehensive diet quality indices of the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and the Prime Diet Quality Score (PDQS).
Methods: In the present case-control research, 160 older adults (>65 years) from Shiraz, Iran, were enrolled; while 80 were with confirmed sarcopenia and 80 were healthy controls. Applying a validated 168- item food frequency questionnaire, dietary intake was evaluated. PDQS and GDQS were calculated based on food group intakes. Sarcopenia diagnosis followed the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria. Associations were investigated using logistic regression models that had been modified to account for possible confounding variables.
Results: Greater PDQS and GDQS scores were significantly linked to reduced odds of sarcopenia. Individuals in the last tertile of PDQS and GDQS had 60% and 64% lower likelihood of sarcopenia, respectively, compared to those in the 1st tertile (PDQS: odds ratio (OR)=0.397, 95%confidence interval (CI): 0.161–0.976; GDQS: OR=0.357, 95%CI: 0.140–0.911).
Conclusion: Greater adherence to high-quality dietary patterns, as indicated by PDQS and GDQS, is inversely linked to sarcopenia odds in older adults. These findings support the implementation of diet-based interventions as a promising strategy to preserve muscle health and promote healthy aging.

Highlights

Maryam Ranjbar Zahedani (Google Scholar)

Marzieh Mahmoodi (Google Scholar)

Mohammad Hossein Dabbaghmanesh (Google Scholar)

Keywords

References

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International Journal of Nutrition Sciences

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Available Online from 11 September 2026

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