Nutrition and sarcopenia: A review of the evidence of nutritional influences.

Prevention of age related decline in muscle mass and strength is a key strategy to keeping physical capacity in older age and allowing independent living. To emerge preventive strategies, a better understanding is required of life style factors that impacts on sarcopenia. However, since muscle mass and strength in later life depend on both the rate of muscle loss and the peak achieved in early life, attempts to prevent sarcopenia also require considering diet through the life course and the potential benefits of early interventions. Optimizing diet and nutrition status during the life may be an important strategy to preventing sarcopenia and enhancing physical ability in older age.