Higher Dietary Methyl Donor Micronutrient Consumption Is Associated With Higher Muscle Strength in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Publisher Pubmed



Mirrafiei A¹ ; Radkhah P² ; Chambari M³ ; Davarzani S¹ ; Babaee N¹ ; Djafarian K⁴ ; Shabbidar S¹ Show Affiliations
Source: British Journal of Nutrition Published:2024

Abstract

Methyl donor micronutrients might affect muscle strength via DNA methylation. We aimed to evaluate the combined relationship of dietary methyl donor micronutrients containing Betaine, Choline, Methionine, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, and Folate on muscle strength. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 267 subjects including 113 men and 154 women. Dietary intake of micronutrients was assessed utilizing a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and Methyl Donor Micronutrients Score (MDMS) was calculated. The muscle strength of the participants was measured using a digital handgrip dynamometer. The association was determined using linear regression analysis. The mean age of participants was 36.8±13.2 years. After taking into account potential confounding variables, there was no significant association between dietary methyl donor micronutrients score and (β:0.07, SE: 0.05, p=0.07), however, the changes were significant in the mean right hand muscle strength (MSR) (β:0.09, SE: 0.04, p=0.03). There was also a significant positive relationship between mean muscle strength (MMS) and methyl donors’ intake after fully adjusting for potential confounders (β:0.08, SE: 0.04, p=0.04). In conclusion, our findings revealed that higher dietary methyl donor micronutrient consumption is associated with enhanced muscle strength. As a result, advice on a higher intake of methyl donor-rich foods including grains, nuts, dairy, and seafood might be recommended by dietitians as a general guideline to adhere to. Additional prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings. © 2024 Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.