In 2018 the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) updated the definition of sarcopenia, with loss of muscle strength being the primary feature. The objective is to describe and associate sarcopenia and nutritional status in a group of Chilean older adults aged 65 years and older. Methods: Descriptive, associative and comparative study, with a cross-sectional design and a quanti-qualitative approach. A number of 155 institutionalized and community-dwelling Chilean older people aged 65 years and older participated in the study (year 2018). Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the algorithm proposed by the EWGSOP2. Muscle strength, muscle quantity and physical performance were assessed; Body Mass Index (BMI) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) were used. Variables were described according to sex and age groups (65–69; 70–79; and ≥80 years). The association between sarcopenia and nutritional status was studied by the application of multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustments for age and sex. Results: 49.7% and 5.2% of older adults had probable sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia, respectively; 52.9% and 7% had malnutrition by excess and by deficit, respectively, according to their BMI; and 33.5% had malnutrition according to the MNA. Participants with obesity had 3.2 times more risk of presenting sarcopenia, versus subjects with normal nutritional status (OR: 3.2; 95% CI; 1.24; 8.26). Conclusion: Sarcopenia, as defined by the criteria of the EWGSOP2, depends on the nutritional status according to BMI in older people, with obese individuals being at greater risk of suffering from sarcopenia. Nearly 50% had probable sarcopenia, a condition that could be detected early with the purpose of taking preventive measures, such a nutritional approach.

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia, characterized by the loss of muscle mass and strength, is prevalent in older persons and affects their quality of life. Nutritional intervention and physical activity play a key role in its prevention and treatment. This study aims to investigate the relationship between food consumption frequency as assessed through the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and probable sarcopenia, evaluated by grip strength, in Chilean older persons aged 65 or older. Methods: A correlational, cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample of 155 older persons aged 65 or older was undertaken. Food consumption frequency was assessed using the MNA, and muscle strength was measured using a handgrip dynamometer. The authors analyzed the relationship between food consumption frequency, as assessed by the MNA, and the protein intake index with muscle strength. Results: Participants who consumed less than two servings of fruits and vegetables per day were 4.28 times more likely to have low muscle strength compared to those who consumed two or more servings per day (OR = 4.28; 95% CI: 1.59–11.45). No significant associations were found with the consumption of dairy products, legumes, meat, fish, poultry, or fluids. The protein intake index did not show a significant relationship with muscle strength. Conclusions: The results suggest that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may have a protective effect on muscle strength in older persons. Promoting adequate intake of these foods could be critical in the prevention of sarcopenia in this population.