Energy and nutrient intake by people with and without sarcopenia diagnosed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined differences in energy and nutrient intake between individuals with and without sarcopenia, using only studies that applied the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2010 (EWGSOP1) or 2019 (EWGSOP2) diagnostic criteria. Analysis of 12 observational studies revealed that people with sarcopenia consume fewer calories and lower amounts of certain micronutrients—specifically omega-3 fatty acids, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, and vitamins C, D, and E—compared to those without sarcopenia. No consistent differences were found in protein, carbohydrate, or total fat intake. The review highlights the potential association between insufficient energy and antioxidant nutrient intake and sarcopenia but notes the moderate methodological quality and cross-sectional design of included studies limit causal inferences, underscoring the need for well-designed prospective research with standardized assessment methods.