Rastreamento de condutas nutricionais para a sarcopenia em pessoas idosas: revisão de literatura integrativa

Abstract

Sarcopenia is characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, which compromises the health and quality of life of older adults. Among the factors involved in its etiology, diet stands out as a highly relevant and modifiable component. The aim of this study was to identify nutritional approaches for the management of sarcopenia in the elderly, in order to support evidence-based clinical practices. To this end, an integrative literature review was conducted, based on full original articles and systematic reviews available in the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) database, in any language, published in 2024. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were critically analyzed. Overall, the findings indicated that a healthy diet with protein intake equal to or greater than 1.0 g/kg/day, along with a variety of foods rich in vitamins and minerals, contributed to the preservation of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. In addition, nutrients such as monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D, selenium, and zinc proved to be relevant in the modulation of muscle health, while dietary patterns marked by excessive consumption of salt, alcohol, and sweetened beverages were associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia. Conversely, the adoption of healthy eating practices, such as regular consumption of natural beverages and green tea, showed a protective effect. Thus, evidence-based nutritional strategies are essential in the management of sarcopenia, as they reinforce the importance of adequate dietary practices, in which protein intake plays a decisive role in muscle health.