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Foods rich in anti-inflammatory components and anti-inflammatory supplements for the prevention and treatment of Sarcopenia in older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Li S, Li J, Ren K, Yang X, Yu X, Zhao Q, Huang H

Complementary therapies in medicine, 2026

3,063 participants

Abstract

Background & aims: Dietary anti-inflammatory interventions have shown promise in the prevention and management of sarcopenia. However, the efficacy of various anti-inflammatory diets/supplements in improving muscle strength, mass, and physical performance in patients with sarcopenia remains unclear. The objective of this study was to systematically assess the efficacy of various anti-inflammatory supplements in alleviating symptoms in patients with sarcopenia, thereby providing robust evidence to inform clinical practice and nutritional recommendations.

Methods: This study systematically searched 11 Chinese and English databases in August 2025 to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the intervention effects of anti-inflammatory diets or supplements on elderly patients with sarcopenia. Primary outcomes included handgrip strength, gait speed, the five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST), and the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI). Secondary outcomes included the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, fat-free mass (FFM), and laboratory parameters (triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and C-reactive protein). For primary outcomes, both pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed to compare the effects of different interventions. For secondary outcomes, only pairwise meta-analysis was conducted.

Results: Finally, 42 randomized controlled trials were included, involving 3063 elderly patients with sarcopenia,…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 3,063 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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