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Despite growing global awareness, the prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia vary considerably across different populations and regions, necessitating localised studies for targeted interventions.
To date, a number of studies have been conducted to explore the epidemiology of sarcopenia among the Iranian population with conflicting results, but comprehensive data on this subject has remained limited.
By performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of available evidence, a group of researchers sought to address this knowledge gap and elucidate key factors that may contribute to the risk of developing sarcopenia in Iran.
A total of 14 studies conducted in Bushehr, Ravansar, Shiraz and Tehran, and published between 2016 and 2024, were included.
It was found that the overall pooled prevalence of sarcopenia in Iran was 22.1%, with this rate in older adult population (aged 60 and above) at 23.5%.
Additionally, sarcopenia was more prevalent in men (23.2%) than in women (15.5%), and the prevalence of severe sarcopenia was 24.5%.
There are several factors suggested to be linked to sarcopenia risk, including older age, male gender, higher body fat, diabetes, smoking, malnutrition, and low serum albumin levels.
Socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, such as lower socioeconomic status and educational levels, smoking, and insufficient physical activity, were also linked to higher odds of sarcopenia.
Conversely, dietary patterns rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients, a Mediterranean diet, and higher mineral and vitamin intake were associated with a lower likelihood of sarcopenia.
“This could be explained by the ability [of vitamins and minerals] to support muscle preservation and function by providing antioxidants, reducing inflammation, and promoting muscle-building processes.
“These findings underscore the multifactorial nature of sarcopenia risk. Implementing targeted interventions focused on improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, and health education may effectively mitigate the risk of sarcopenia among susceptible populations,” the authors wrote.
Vulnerable groupCharacterised by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, sarcopenia can lead to difficulty with daily activities, such as walking and standing from a chair.
Over time, the condition can pose significant health issues, including the risk of falls and other injuries, as well as economic burdens, especially in ageing populations like Iran.
According to the authors, Iran faces “unique demographic and epidemiological transitions” that may influence the prevalence and determinants of sarcopenia. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend these dynamics in order to develop successful public health strategies tailored to the local context.
The association between older age and an increased risk of sarcopenia in Iran could be explained by age-related declines in muscle mass, strength and function, compounded by factors like reduced physical activity and hormonal changes.
“These results highlight the clinical importance of monitoring and addressing sarcopenia risk in ageing populations to optimise health outcomes.”
The studies included in the analysis also proposed that male gender could be a likely risk factor for developing sarcopenia, which may be influenced by several biological and behavioural mechanisms.
For example, lower levels of testosterone in older men and its impact on muscle mass maintenance could contribute to higher susceptibility in aged men.
The higher rate of smoking behaviour among men may also play a part in exacerbating the differences in sarcopenia prevalence between the two sexes.
However, it is important to interpret these findings with caution, as the estimate for severe sarcopenia is based on only two studies, which limits the robustness of the analysis.
“Older adult individuals represent a particularly vulnerable group requiring targeted interventions to preserve muscle mass and function. Health conditions like diabetes and malnutrition implicated in sarcopenia risk highlight opportunities for holistic interventions addressing nutrition, physical activity, and socioeconomic disparities.
“These clinical implications emphasise the need for multidisciplinary strategies to mitigate the impact of sarcopenia and improve the quality of life of Iranians,” the authors concluded.
Source: Frontiers in Nutrition
Frontiers | Prevalence of, and factors associated with, sarcopenia in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran Mobility Impairment Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran Sport and Reconstruction Surgery, Clinical Research Development Unit of Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran Background: Several studies have assessed the epidemiology of sarcopenia in Iran with conflicting results, but comprehensive information has remained limited.
“Prevalence of, and factors associated with, sarcopenia in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis”
Authors: Mobin Marzban Abbas Abadi, Danial Hosseinzade, and Majid Khalilizad
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