The Role of Nutritional Intervention in Preventing Muscle Decline Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Sarcopenia is a systemic condition that progresses with advancing age. Its characteristics are manifested by a decrease in skeletal muscle mass along with a decline in muscle strength. These changes bring about a deterioration in overall functional capacity. This condition represents a common degenerative disorder often seen in older adults. It significantly brings down the quality of life for those affected and can also hamper their ability to live independently. This review examines the role of nutritional interventions in preventing and managing sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults, focusing on intake strategies for key nutrients including protein, vitamin D, leucine and its metabolite β -hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, while emphasizing the synergistic effects of combining nutrition with exercise. In addition, this review analyzes challenges in current community-based nutritional interventions and proposes matching solutions. It aims to provide scientific evidence and practical guidance for improving muscle health in community-dwelling older adults.