Roxana Elizabeth Ruiz Valenzuela | Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana (original) (raw)

Papers by Roxana Elizabeth Ruiz Valenzuela

Research paper thumbnail of Erratum to “Skeletal Muscle Mass Indices in Healthy Young Mexican Adults Aged 20–40 Years: Implications for Diagnoses of Sarcopenia in the Elderly Population”

The Scientific World Journal, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Skeletal Muscle Mass Indices in Healthy Adults

Nutrition and Skeletal Muscle, 2019

Skeletal muscle (SM) is a key component of nutritional status and functionality. The adjustment o... more Skeletal muscle (SM) is a key component of nutritional status and functionality. The adjustment of SM by height or other anthropometric parameters in young adults has generated several indices that serve as indicators of muscularity. These SM indices have been generated in distinct young adult populations around the world and are now the basis for diagnoses of sarcopenia. To our knowledge, 21 cutoff points based on SM exist for younger adult populations worldwide; specifically, 17 dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived appendicular skeletal muscle mass indices, 3 DXA-derived total SM indices (TSMI), and one DXA-derived total lean body mass index. In addition, there are seven indices derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis, one magnetic resonance imaging-derived TSMI, and one that uses an ultrasound technique. In conclusion, SM indices should be applied to specific gender and ethnic populations to avoid variations in estimates of the prevalence of sarcopenia in older pe...

Research paper thumbnail of Phase Angle Cut-Off Points and Their Association With Sarcopenia and Frailty in Adults of 50–64 Years Old and Older Adults in Mexico City

Frontiers in Medicine, 2021

Background: In recent studies, the usefulness of the phase angle (PA) to assess geriatric conditi... more Background: In recent studies, the usefulness of the phase angle (PA) to assess geriatric conditions such as sarcopenia and frailty has been evaluated. However, there are no useful cut-off points for clinical research and/or practice.Objective: To analyze PA cut-off points associated with sarcopenia and frailty in adults of 50-64 years old and older adults in Mexico City.Design: Cross-sectional analysis of the FraDySMex cohort study (Frailty, Dynapenia, and Sarcopenia in Mexican Adults).Setting and Participants: 498 people were included, 78.7% women, aged 71.1 ± 9.5 years. Methods: The sarcopenia measurements were made according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) (2019) (by dynamometer to evaluate hand grip strength and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for appendicular muscle mass), and the frailty through the physical frailty phenotype with cut-off points adjusted to the Mexican population. The PA was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance anal...

Research paper thumbnail of Differences in Body Composition in Older People from Two Regions of Mexico: Implications for Diagnoses of Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity

BioMed Research International, 2018

Background. Mexico is a country that is rich in ethnicity and cultural diversity, divided into th... more Background. Mexico is a country that is rich in ethnicity and cultural diversity, divided into three well-defined socioeconomic, ecological, and epidemiological areas. However, we do not know the influence that these factors may have on body composition. Therefore, this study was designed to assess body composition and compare appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) in older people from two areas of the country. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study that included 430 subjects ≥60 years of age from northwestern and central Mexico. Body composition, including ASM, was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, while anthropometry, handgrip strength, demographic variables, health status/chronic conditions, and energy expenditure data were all included. Results. Men and women from the northwestern region had 5.9 kg and 3.8 kg more body fat, respectively, and 3.9 kg more as a group than their counterparts from central Mexico (p ≤ 0.0001). While there were no significant differences...

Research paper thumbnail of Sarcopenia: Influence of Regional Skeletal Muscle Cutoff Points and Fat-Free Mass in Older Mexican People—A Pilot Study

Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research, 2020

Background. Variation in the prevalence of sarcopenia is related to the skeletal muscle index cut... more Background. Variation in the prevalence of sarcopenia is related to the skeletal muscle index cutoff points applied. The objective of this pilot study was to examine the recruitment process for testing different sarcopenia definitions (ASMI cutoffs) in older Mexican adults. It explored whether the prevalence of sarcopenia decreased by applying ethnic- and gender-specific, DXA-derived appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI)-cutoff points in the definitions, as well as some associated factors in a sample of community-dwelling older Mexican people. Methods. This is a pilot feasibility study that included a convenience sample of 217 community-dwelling older adults. Volunteers underwent DXA measurements and an assessment of functional status based on hand grip strength and physical performance. Six definitions were formed based on the 2010 EWGSOP criteria, but using different cutoff points for each of the three components, including regional cutoff points for ASMI derived from young Me...

Research paper thumbnail of The fat mass index, not the fat-free mass index, is associated with impaired physical performance in older adult subjects: Evidence from a cross-sectional study

Clinical Nutrition, 2019

Background: Impaired physical performance (IPP) and physical disability (PD) are two serious publ... more Background: Impaired physical performance (IPP) and physical disability (PD) are two serious public health problems in older adult populations worldwide. While studies show that changes in body composition are important risk factors for developing these conditions, there is little evidence that the fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) indices (FFMI and FMI, respectively) are associated with IPP in older men and women. This study assessed the association among FFMI, FMI, and IPP using Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in Mexican men and women aged over 60 years. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 217 older people (men 34.6%, women 65.4%; 60e92 years). FFM and FM were assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry, assuming a two-compartment model. FFM and FM were adjusted by height squared and the indices were obtained. After assessment of physical performance by SPPB, subjects with scores 6 were classified as having IPP. Associations were tested by multiple logistic regression analysis in separated models. Results: IPP prevalence was 14.3%. Women were affected more than men. Regression analysis showed no significant association between FFMI and IPP, but FMI was strongly-associated, as for each unit increase in FMI, the risk of IPP rose significantly (OR: 1.14), and this result remained significant after adjusting for age, comorbidity, polypharmacy, and the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (OR: 1.23; p 0.001). These results emphasize the importance of preventing increases in FM and avoiding overweight and obesity in older men and women.

Research paper thumbnail of Insufficient amounts and inadequate distribution of dietary protein intake in apparently healthy older adults in a developing country: implications for dietary strategies to prevent sarcopenia

Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2013

Background: Both low dietary protein intake and inadequate distribution of protein over the three... more Background: Both low dietary protein intake and inadequate distribution of protein over the three mealtimes have been reported in older Caucasian adults, but the association between protein intake at each meal and muscle mass has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary protein intake and distribution by mealtimes, and to explore their association with appendicular skeletal muscle mass in apparently healthy older adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional pilot study that included 78 people over the age of 60 years. Caloric and protein intake were estimated on the basis of three nonconsecutive 24-hour diet recalls and appendicular skeletal muscle mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Men consumed 13.4 g of protein/day more than women (P , 0.05). The estimated value of dietary protein intake was 0.9 g/kg/day. In this sample, 28% of subjects did not cover 100% of the dietary reference intake for protein. Lower consumption of dietary protein was found at breakfast and dinnertime compared with the recommended amount of 25-30 g (P , 0.05). Also, the study observed that appendicular skeletal muscle mass in men and women who consumed ,25 g of protein at each mealtime was different from that found in the group that consumed .25 g of protein at one, two, or three mealtimes. Conclusion: While protein intake was higher than current recommendations, it failed to achieve the values reported as necessary to prevent sarcopenia. In addition, there was under-consumption of protein per mealtime, especially at breakfast and dinner.

Research paper thumbnail of Skeletal Muscle Mass Indices in Healthy Young Mexican Adults Aged 20–40 Years: Implications for Diagnoses of Sarcopenia in the Elderly Population

The Scientific World Journal, 2014

Background and Objectives. Skeletal muscle and skeletal muscle indices in young adults from devel... more Background and Objectives. Skeletal muscle and skeletal muscle indices in young adults from developing countries are sparse. Indices and the corresponding cut-off points can be a reference for diagnoses of sarcopenia. This study assessed skeletal muscle using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in healthy male and female subjects aged 20–40 years and compared their appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and total-body skeletal muscle (TBSM) indices using certain cut-off points published in the literature.Methods. A sample of 216 healthy adults men and women from northwest Mexico was included. Body composition was assessed by DXA and several published DXA-derived skeletal muscle indices were compared.Results. Both, ASM and TBSM were higher in men compared to the women group (23.0 ± 3.4 versus 15.9 ± 1.6 kg;P<0.05and 26.5 ± 4.1 versus 16.9 ± 1.9 kg;P<0.05, resp.). These differences were also valid for both indices. When derived cut-off points were compared with the most repo...

Research paper thumbnail of Estudio Piloto Sobre La Asociación De La Ingestión De Proteínas Dietarias Con El Síndrome De Sarcopenia

Research paper thumbnail of The fat mass index, not the fat-free mass index, is associated with impaired physical performance in older adult subjects: Evidence from a cross-sectional study

Clinical Nutrition

BACKGROUND Impaired physical performance (IPP) and physical disability (PD) are two serious publi... more BACKGROUND Impaired physical performance (IPP) and physical disability (PD) are two serious public health problems in older adult populations worldwide. While studies show that changes in body composition are important risk factors for developing these conditions, there is little evidence that the fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) indices (FFMI and FMI, respectively) are associated with IPP in older men and women. This study assessed the association among FFMI, FMI, and IPP using Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in Mexican men and women aged over 60 years. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 217 older people (men 34.6%, women 65.4%; 60-92 years). FFM and FM were assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry, assuming a two-compartment model. FFM and FM were adjusted by height squared and the indices were obtained. After assessment of physical performance by SPPB, subjects with scores ≤6 were classified as having IPP. Associations were tested by multiple logistic regress...

Research paper thumbnail of Insufficient amounts and inadequate distribution of dietary protein intake in apparently healthy older adults in a developing country: implications for dietary strategies to prevent sarcopenia

Background: Both low dietary protein intake and inadequate distribution of protein over the three... more Background: Both low dietary protein intake and inadequate distribution of protein over the three mealtimes have been reported in older Caucasian adults, but the association between protein intake at each meal and muscle mass has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary protein intake and distribution by mealtimes, and to explore their association with appendicular skeletal muscle mass in apparently healthy older adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional pilot study that included 78 people over the age of 60 years. Caloric and protein intake were estimated on the basis of three nonconsecutive 24-hour diet recalls and appendicular skeletal muscle mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Men consumed 13.4 g of protein/day more than women (P , 0.05). The estimated value of dietary protein intake was 0.9 g/kg/day. In this sample, 28% of subjects did not cover 100% of the dietary reference intake for protein. Lower consumption of dietary protein was found at breakfast and dinnertime compared with the recommended amount of 25–30 g (P , 0.05). Also, the study observed that appendicular skeletal muscle mass in men and women who consumed ,25 g of protein at each mealtime was different from that found in the group that consumed .25 g of protein at one, two, or three mealtimes. Conclusion: While protein intake was higher than current recommendations, it failed to achieve the values reported as necessary to prevent sarcopenia. In addition, there was under-consumption of protein per mealtime, especially at breakfast and dinner.

Research paper thumbnail of Skeletal Muscle Mass Indices in Healthy Young Mexican Adults Aged 20–40 Years: Implications for Diagnoses of Sarcopenia in the Elderly Population

Background and Objectives. Skeletal muscle and skeletal muscle indices in young adults from devel... more Background and Objectives. Skeletal muscle and skeletal muscle indices in young adults from developing countries are sparse. Indices and the corresponding cut-off points can be a reference for diagnoses of sarcopenia. This study assessed skeletal muscle using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in healthy male and female subjects aged 20-40 years and compared their appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and total-body skeletal muscle (TBSM) indices using certain cut-off points published in the literature. Methods. A sample of 216 healthy adults men and women from northwest Mexico was included. Body composition was assessed by DXA and several published DXA-derived skeletal muscle indices were compared. Results. Both, ASM and TBSM were higher in men compared to the women group (23.0 ± 3.4 versus 15.9 ± 1.6 kg; < 0.05 and 26.5 ± 4.1 versus 16.9 ± 1.9 kg; < 0.05, resp.). These differences were also valid for both indices. When derived cut-off points were compared with the most reported indices, significant differences were found. Interpretation and Conclusion. Published cut-off points from Caucasians are higher than cut-off point derived in this sample of Mexican subjects. The new DXA-derived cut-off points for ASM proposed herein may improve diagnoses of sarcopenia in the geriatric Mexican population.

Research paper thumbnail of Erratum to “Skeletal Muscle Mass Indices in Healthy Young Mexican Adults Aged 20–40 Years: Implications for Diagnoses of Sarcopenia in the Elderly Population”

The Scientific World Journal, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Skeletal Muscle Mass Indices in Healthy Adults

Nutrition and Skeletal Muscle, 2019

Skeletal muscle (SM) is a key component of nutritional status and functionality. The adjustment o... more Skeletal muscle (SM) is a key component of nutritional status and functionality. The adjustment of SM by height or other anthropometric parameters in young adults has generated several indices that serve as indicators of muscularity. These SM indices have been generated in distinct young adult populations around the world and are now the basis for diagnoses of sarcopenia. To our knowledge, 21 cutoff points based on SM exist for younger adult populations worldwide; specifically, 17 dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived appendicular skeletal muscle mass indices, 3 DXA-derived total SM indices (TSMI), and one DXA-derived total lean body mass index. In addition, there are seven indices derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis, one magnetic resonance imaging-derived TSMI, and one that uses an ultrasound technique. In conclusion, SM indices should be applied to specific gender and ethnic populations to avoid variations in estimates of the prevalence of sarcopenia in older pe...

Research paper thumbnail of Phase Angle Cut-Off Points and Their Association With Sarcopenia and Frailty in Adults of 50–64 Years Old and Older Adults in Mexico City

Frontiers in Medicine, 2021

Background: In recent studies, the usefulness of the phase angle (PA) to assess geriatric conditi... more Background: In recent studies, the usefulness of the phase angle (PA) to assess geriatric conditions such as sarcopenia and frailty has been evaluated. However, there are no useful cut-off points for clinical research and/or practice.Objective: To analyze PA cut-off points associated with sarcopenia and frailty in adults of 50-64 years old and older adults in Mexico City.Design: Cross-sectional analysis of the FraDySMex cohort study (Frailty, Dynapenia, and Sarcopenia in Mexican Adults).Setting and Participants: 498 people were included, 78.7% women, aged 71.1 ± 9.5 years. Methods: The sarcopenia measurements were made according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) (2019) (by dynamometer to evaluate hand grip strength and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for appendicular muscle mass), and the frailty through the physical frailty phenotype with cut-off points adjusted to the Mexican population. The PA was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance anal...

Research paper thumbnail of Differences in Body Composition in Older People from Two Regions of Mexico: Implications for Diagnoses of Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity

BioMed Research International, 2018

Background. Mexico is a country that is rich in ethnicity and cultural diversity, divided into th... more Background. Mexico is a country that is rich in ethnicity and cultural diversity, divided into three well-defined socioeconomic, ecological, and epidemiological areas. However, we do not know the influence that these factors may have on body composition. Therefore, this study was designed to assess body composition and compare appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) in older people from two areas of the country. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study that included 430 subjects ≥60 years of age from northwestern and central Mexico. Body composition, including ASM, was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, while anthropometry, handgrip strength, demographic variables, health status/chronic conditions, and energy expenditure data were all included. Results. Men and women from the northwestern region had 5.9 kg and 3.8 kg more body fat, respectively, and 3.9 kg more as a group than their counterparts from central Mexico (p ≤ 0.0001). While there were no significant differences...

Research paper thumbnail of Sarcopenia: Influence of Regional Skeletal Muscle Cutoff Points and Fat-Free Mass in Older Mexican People—A Pilot Study

Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research, 2020

Background. Variation in the prevalence of sarcopenia is related to the skeletal muscle index cut... more Background. Variation in the prevalence of sarcopenia is related to the skeletal muscle index cutoff points applied. The objective of this pilot study was to examine the recruitment process for testing different sarcopenia definitions (ASMI cutoffs) in older Mexican adults. It explored whether the prevalence of sarcopenia decreased by applying ethnic- and gender-specific, DXA-derived appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI)-cutoff points in the definitions, as well as some associated factors in a sample of community-dwelling older Mexican people. Methods. This is a pilot feasibility study that included a convenience sample of 217 community-dwelling older adults. Volunteers underwent DXA measurements and an assessment of functional status based on hand grip strength and physical performance. Six definitions were formed based on the 2010 EWGSOP criteria, but using different cutoff points for each of the three components, including regional cutoff points for ASMI derived from young Me...

Research paper thumbnail of The fat mass index, not the fat-free mass index, is associated with impaired physical performance in older adult subjects: Evidence from a cross-sectional study

Clinical Nutrition, 2019

Background: Impaired physical performance (IPP) and physical disability (PD) are two serious publ... more Background: Impaired physical performance (IPP) and physical disability (PD) are two serious public health problems in older adult populations worldwide. While studies show that changes in body composition are important risk factors for developing these conditions, there is little evidence that the fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) indices (FFMI and FMI, respectively) are associated with IPP in older men and women. This study assessed the association among FFMI, FMI, and IPP using Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in Mexican men and women aged over 60 years. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 217 older people (men 34.6%, women 65.4%; 60e92 years). FFM and FM were assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry, assuming a two-compartment model. FFM and FM were adjusted by height squared and the indices were obtained. After assessment of physical performance by SPPB, subjects with scores 6 were classified as having IPP. Associations were tested by multiple logistic regression analysis in separated models. Results: IPP prevalence was 14.3%. Women were affected more than men. Regression analysis showed no significant association between FFMI and IPP, but FMI was strongly-associated, as for each unit increase in FMI, the risk of IPP rose significantly (OR: 1.14), and this result remained significant after adjusting for age, comorbidity, polypharmacy, and the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (OR: 1.23; p 0.001). These results emphasize the importance of preventing increases in FM and avoiding overweight and obesity in older men and women.

Research paper thumbnail of Insufficient amounts and inadequate distribution of dietary protein intake in apparently healthy older adults in a developing country: implications for dietary strategies to prevent sarcopenia

Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2013

Background: Both low dietary protein intake and inadequate distribution of protein over the three... more Background: Both low dietary protein intake and inadequate distribution of protein over the three mealtimes have been reported in older Caucasian adults, but the association between protein intake at each meal and muscle mass has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary protein intake and distribution by mealtimes, and to explore their association with appendicular skeletal muscle mass in apparently healthy older adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional pilot study that included 78 people over the age of 60 years. Caloric and protein intake were estimated on the basis of three nonconsecutive 24-hour diet recalls and appendicular skeletal muscle mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Men consumed 13.4 g of protein/day more than women (P , 0.05). The estimated value of dietary protein intake was 0.9 g/kg/day. In this sample, 28% of subjects did not cover 100% of the dietary reference intake for protein. Lower consumption of dietary protein was found at breakfast and dinnertime compared with the recommended amount of 25-30 g (P , 0.05). Also, the study observed that appendicular skeletal muscle mass in men and women who consumed ,25 g of protein at each mealtime was different from that found in the group that consumed .25 g of protein at one, two, or three mealtimes. Conclusion: While protein intake was higher than current recommendations, it failed to achieve the values reported as necessary to prevent sarcopenia. In addition, there was under-consumption of protein per mealtime, especially at breakfast and dinner.

Research paper thumbnail of Skeletal Muscle Mass Indices in Healthy Young Mexican Adults Aged 20–40 Years: Implications for Diagnoses of Sarcopenia in the Elderly Population

The Scientific World Journal, 2014

Background and Objectives. Skeletal muscle and skeletal muscle indices in young adults from devel... more Background and Objectives. Skeletal muscle and skeletal muscle indices in young adults from developing countries are sparse. Indices and the corresponding cut-off points can be a reference for diagnoses of sarcopenia. This study assessed skeletal muscle using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in healthy male and female subjects aged 20–40 years and compared their appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and total-body skeletal muscle (TBSM) indices using certain cut-off points published in the literature.Methods. A sample of 216 healthy adults men and women from northwest Mexico was included. Body composition was assessed by DXA and several published DXA-derived skeletal muscle indices were compared.Results. Both, ASM and TBSM were higher in men compared to the women group (23.0 ± 3.4 versus 15.9 ± 1.6 kg;P<0.05and 26.5 ± 4.1 versus 16.9 ± 1.9 kg;P<0.05, resp.). These differences were also valid for both indices. When derived cut-off points were compared with the most repo...

Research paper thumbnail of Estudio Piloto Sobre La Asociación De La Ingestión De Proteínas Dietarias Con El Síndrome De Sarcopenia

Research paper thumbnail of The fat mass index, not the fat-free mass index, is associated with impaired physical performance in older adult subjects: Evidence from a cross-sectional study

Clinical Nutrition

BACKGROUND Impaired physical performance (IPP) and physical disability (PD) are two serious publi... more BACKGROUND Impaired physical performance (IPP) and physical disability (PD) are two serious public health problems in older adult populations worldwide. While studies show that changes in body composition are important risk factors for developing these conditions, there is little evidence that the fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) indices (FFMI and FMI, respectively) are associated with IPP in older men and women. This study assessed the association among FFMI, FMI, and IPP using Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in Mexican men and women aged over 60 years. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 217 older people (men 34.6%, women 65.4%; 60-92 years). FFM and FM were assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry, assuming a two-compartment model. FFM and FM were adjusted by height squared and the indices were obtained. After assessment of physical performance by SPPB, subjects with scores ≤6 were classified as having IPP. Associations were tested by multiple logistic regress...

Research paper thumbnail of Insufficient amounts and inadequate distribution of dietary protein intake in apparently healthy older adults in a developing country: implications for dietary strategies to prevent sarcopenia

Background: Both low dietary protein intake and inadequate distribution of protein over the three... more Background: Both low dietary protein intake and inadequate distribution of protein over the three mealtimes have been reported in older Caucasian adults, but the association between protein intake at each meal and muscle mass has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary protein intake and distribution by mealtimes, and to explore their association with appendicular skeletal muscle mass in apparently healthy older adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional pilot study that included 78 people over the age of 60 years. Caloric and protein intake were estimated on the basis of three nonconsecutive 24-hour diet recalls and appendicular skeletal muscle mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Men consumed 13.4 g of protein/day more than women (P , 0.05). The estimated value of dietary protein intake was 0.9 g/kg/day. In this sample, 28% of subjects did not cover 100% of the dietary reference intake for protein. Lower consumption of dietary protein was found at breakfast and dinnertime compared with the recommended amount of 25–30 g (P , 0.05). Also, the study observed that appendicular skeletal muscle mass in men and women who consumed ,25 g of protein at each mealtime was different from that found in the group that consumed .25 g of protein at one, two, or three mealtimes. Conclusion: While protein intake was higher than current recommendations, it failed to achieve the values reported as necessary to prevent sarcopenia. In addition, there was under-consumption of protein per mealtime, especially at breakfast and dinner.

Research paper thumbnail of Skeletal Muscle Mass Indices in Healthy Young Mexican Adults Aged 20–40 Years: Implications for Diagnoses of Sarcopenia in the Elderly Population

Background and Objectives. Skeletal muscle and skeletal muscle indices in young adults from devel... more Background and Objectives. Skeletal muscle and skeletal muscle indices in young adults from developing countries are sparse. Indices and the corresponding cut-off points can be a reference for diagnoses of sarcopenia. This study assessed skeletal muscle using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in healthy male and female subjects aged 20-40 years and compared their appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and total-body skeletal muscle (TBSM) indices using certain cut-off points published in the literature. Methods. A sample of 216 healthy adults men and women from northwest Mexico was included. Body composition was assessed by DXA and several published DXA-derived skeletal muscle indices were compared. Results. Both, ASM and TBSM were higher in men compared to the women group (23.0 ± 3.4 versus 15.9 ± 1.6 kg; < 0.05 and 26.5 ± 4.1 versus 16.9 ± 1.9 kg; < 0.05, resp.). These differences were also valid for both indices. When derived cut-off points were compared with the most reported indices, significant differences were found. Interpretation and Conclusion. Published cut-off points from Caucasians are higher than cut-off point derived in this sample of Mexican subjects. The new DXA-derived cut-off points for ASM proposed herein may improve diagnoses of sarcopenia in the geriatric Mexican population.