Polyphenol Supplementation and Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND

Experimental evidence suggests that polyphenols, a large group of phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables, may preserve muscle mass and strength by increasing the expression of anabolic factors and enhancing mitochondrial function.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize the evidence about the effect of polyphenol supplementation on muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in individuals with sarcopenia.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using three databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science) from the date of inception to April 2024. Interventional studies examining the effect of polyphenol supplementation on muscle measures and physical performance in middle-aged and older subjects with sarcopenia were included.

RESULTS

Of the 344 articles screened, 7 articles were included in the systematic review. Five of the 7 included studies were meta-analyzed, involving a total of 227 patients with sarcopenia. The results showed a statistically significant effect of polyphenols on muscle mass (SMD = 1.50; 95% CI: 0.26, 2.75; Z = 2.36; P = 0.02), no effect on muscle strength (SMD = 0.03; 95% CI: -0.24, 0.30; Z = 0.20; P = 0.84), and a near-significant trend on physical performance (SMD = 0.52; 95% CI: -0.03, 1.07; P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the available data, this study provides pooled evidence that treatment with polyphenols may have a beneficial effect on muscle mass in sarcopenic subjects. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are required to substantiate this effect and draw more accurate conclusions.