Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with handgrip strength in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to assess the possible association of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) with muscle strength and body composition.

Methods

The cross-sectional study evaluated 112 postmenopausal women (aged 41–71 years). Fasting blood samples were obtained for biochemical/hormonal assessment. The Mediterranean Dietary Score (MedDietScore) was calculated and used to stratify adherence by tertiles (low [T1], moderate [T2] or high [T3]). Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured by dynamometry and body composition with dual-X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

Women with low–moderate MedDietScore (T1/T2) had lower HGS values than those with higher scores (19.5 ± 4.9 kg vs. 21.9 ± 3.9 kg, p = 0.023). A linear stepwise increase of HGS values per MedDietScore tertile was found (T1 vs. T2 vs. T3: 18.4 ± 4.4 kg vs. 20.6 ± 5.2 kg vs. 21.9 ± 3.9 kg, ANOVA p-value for linear trend = 0.009, ANCOVA p-value = 0.026). Multivariable models confirmed that HGS values were independently associated with the MedDietScore (β-coefficient = 0.266, p = 0.010). Lean mass values were associated with the MedDietScore (β-coefficient = 0.205, p = 0.040). All models were adjusted for age and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Conclusions

The data suggest that the higher the adherence to the MD, the better the muscle strength and lean mass in postmenopausal women. Prospective studies are required to evaluate the significance of these observations in cardiovascular prevention strategies at midlife.

Keywords:

• Mediterranean diet
• MedDietScore
• hand grip strength
• muscle mass
• sarcopenia
• menopause

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

All required information regarding the study protocol and collected data will be made available upon request to researchers who provide a methodologically sound proposal. Only the analysis required to achieve the aims in the approved proposal will be permitted. Proposals should be directed to the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

This research is co-financed by Greece and the European Union (European Social Fund – ESF) through the Operational Programme ‘Human Resources Development, Education and Lifelong Learning’ in the context of the project ‘Reinforcement of Postdoctoral Researchers – 2^nd Cycle’ [MIS-5033021], implemented by the State Scholarships Foundation (ΙΚΥ).