Association Between Animal-to-Plant Protein Intake and Low Skeletal Muscle Mass Among Lebanese Older Adults

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia is a major age-related health condition characterized by loss of muscle mass, strength and physical performance. Adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining muscle health, but the role of protein sources and particularly animal-to-plant protein ratio remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary protein sources, particularly animal–plant protein ratio, and low skeletal muscle mass among Lebanese older adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed on 162 older adults aged >60 years using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess dietary protein intake. Protein sources were classified as animal- or plant-based. Skeletal muscle mass index was calculated as skeletal muscle mass/height2, and cut-off thresholds for sarcopenia were set at 7.26 kg/m2 for men and 5.45 kg/m2 for women. Handgrip strength and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were used to assess muscle strength and physical performance. Associations between protein intake, protein source, and low skeletal muscle mass were evaluated using appropriate statistical analyses.