Wednesday, July 08, 2026

Sarcopenia Affects Nearly 1 in 5 with Rheumatoid Arthritis

NEARLY one in five people with rheumatoid arthritis also has sarcopenia, the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, a study of almost a thousand patients finds, identifying who is most at risk and hinting that some biologic drugs may protect against it. 

Muscle Loss in Rheumatoid Arthritis 

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are prone to sarcopenia, which erodes physical function and quality of life and may raise mortality. Chronic inflammation is thought to drive it, yet its prevalence under the latest diagnostic criteria was unclear. This study measured how common sarcopenia is in rheumatoid arthritis and which clinical factors mark it out. 

Study Design and Sarcopenia Assessment 

The cross-sectional study enrolled 978 patients with RA (mean age 60.1 years; 86.4% female) diagnosed by the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria. Sarcopenia was defined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2025 consensus, with bioelectrical impedance analysis measuring appendicular skeletal muscle mass and handgrip dynamometry gauging strength. Demographic details, clinical parameters, and medication use were recorded, and associations analysed by logistic regression. The observational design assessed patients at a single timepoint, with no intervention or follow-up. 

Risk Factors and Protective Drugs 

Sarcopenia affected 18.6% of patients (182 of 978). Male sex was strongly associated (odds ratio 9.140; 95% CI 5.211 to 16.029), as were longer disease duration (OR 1.046; 95% CI 1.025 to 1.069), higher RF-IgM level (OR 1.002; 95% CI 1.000 to 1.003), and higher prednisone dose (OR 1.094; 95% CI 1.033 to 1.159). Higher body mass index was protective (OR 0.586; 95% CI 0.534 to 0.643). Notably, use of tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (OR 0.502; 95% CI 0.312 to 0.808) and tocilizumab (OR 0.493; 95% CI 0.304 to 0.799) was each linked to lower odds of sarcopenia. 

Guiding Earlier Identification 

The authors concluded that sarcopenia is common in rheumatoid arthritis, with male sex, lower body mass index, longer disease, higher RF-IgM, and higher glucocorticoid use marking elevated risk. Tocilizumab and TNF inhibitors may reduce its incidence, hinting at a protective role worth further study. They advised the findings could help rheumatologists spot at-risk patients earlier, while cautioning that the small male subgroup (13.6%) limits how far the sex-related findings generalise. 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for food, medicines, exercises and so on.   

 

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posted by G S Iyer at 9:16 AM 0 comments

Saturday, January 03, 2026

What is Sarcopenia? What foods help.

Consumption of natural food comprising of high-quality protein, fruits and vegetables have been associated with protection against muscle wasting and sarcopenia ...

 It is a misconception that the body can "produce" magnesium from eating vegetables; magnesium is an essential mineral that the body cannot create on its own. It must be obtained through diet or supplements.

However, certain vegetables are excellent dietary sources of pre-existing magnesium, which supports muscle function (relevant to sarcopenia) and joint health.

A sarcopenia diet focuses on high-quality protein (1.2-1.6g/kg body weight), lean meats, fish, dairy, legumes, nuts, seeds, and nutrient-rich fruits/veggies (like leafy greens, berries) to build and maintain muscle, alongside whole grains, healthy fats, adequate hydration, Vitamin D, and omega-3s, aiming for a balanced intake that supports muscle repair, reduces inflammation, and provides overall vitality.  

Key Dietary Components

  • Protein:

Crucial for muscle synthesis. Aim for 1.2-1.6 grams per kg of body weight daily, spread across meals. 

  • Sources: Chicken, fish, eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds. 

 

· Vitamins and MInerals:

  • Vitamin D: Fatty fish, fortified dairy/cereals, mushrooms. 

·  ·  B Vitamins (esp. B12): Fish, dairy, fortified cereals, meat. 

·  ·  Calcium: Dairy, leafy greens, fortified plant milks. 

 

Healthy Fats 

Avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds, fatty fish (omega-3s) for anti-inflammatory benefits. 

·  Antioxidants:

Fruits and vegetables (berries, leafy greens, tomatoes) combat inflammation (inflammaging). 

·  Probiotics:

Yogurt, kefir, fermented vegetables support gut health, which impacts muscle. 

·  Hydration:

Water is vital as muscle tissue is largely water. 

 

Sample Foods to Include

  • Proteins: Salmon, tuna, skinless chicken, eggs, Greek yogurt, lentils, walnuts, chia seeds.
  • Fruits/Veggies: Spinach, kale, blueberries, broccoli, oranges, sweet potatoes.
  • Whole Grains: Oats, quinoa, brown rice.
  • Fats: Avocado, olive oil, almonds. 

 

Dietary Patterns

  • Mediterranean and Japanese diets, rich in whole foods, protein, fruits, and veggies, are linked to better muscle health.
  • Limit Western diet patterns high in processed foods, refined grains, and sugar, which can accelerate muscle loss. 

 

Tips for Success

  • Distribute Protein: Aim for around 25-30g of protein per main meal to maximize muscle building. 

·  ·  Combine with Exercise: Diet works best alongside resistance training. 

·  ·  Consider Supplements: Protein shakes or creatine can help meet needs, but whole foods are primary. 


 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   


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posted by G S Iyer at 8:34 AM 0 comments