Lower serum albumin concentration and change in muscle mass: the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Low albumin concentrations in older persons increase the risk of poor health outcomes, including functional decline.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between serum albumin concentration and skeletal muscle loss (sarcopenia) in old age.

DESIGN:

Serum albumin concentration was measured in 1882 black and white men and women aged 70-79 y participating in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Five-year changes in appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM), total-body fat-free mass (FFM), and trunk lean mass (TLM) were measured by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Confounders included health and lifestyle factors, which are markers of inflammation and protein intake.

RESULTS:

A low albumin concentration (< 38 g/L) was observed in 21.2% of the study participants. After adjustment for confounders, the mean (+/-SE) change in ASMM was -82 +/- 26 g per 3-g/L lower albumin concentration (P = 0.002). This association remained after persons with a low albumin concentration (< 38 g/L) were excluded. The decline in ASMM in subjects with low albumin concentrations was almost 30% higher (-930 +/- 56 g) than that in those with albumin concentrations > or = 42 g/L (-718 +/- 38 g; P < 0.01). The association between albumin and change in ASMM remained after additional adjustment for weight change. A weak association was observed for FFM, whereas no association was observed for TLM, which suggests a specific role of albumin in skeletal muscle change.

CONCLUSIONS:

Lower albumin concentrations, even above the clinical cutoff of 38 g/L, are associated with future loss of ASMM in older persons. Low albumin concentration may be a risk factor for sarcopenia.

• Authors: Marjolein Visser, Stephen B Kritchevsky, Anne B Newman, Bret H Goodpaster, Frances A Tylavsky, Michael C Nevitt, Tamara B Harris
• Journal: The American journal of clinical nutrition (Am J Clin Nutr) Vol. 82 Issue 3 Pg. 531-7 (Sep 2005) ISSN: 0002-9165 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16155264 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Dietary Proteins
• Serum Albumin

Topics

• Absorptiometry, Photon
• Adipose Tissue (anatomy & histology, diagnostic imaging, metabolism)
• Aged
• Aging (blood, physiology)
• Body Composition (physiology)
• Dietary Proteins (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Humans
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Muscle, Skeletal (anatomy & histology, diagnostic imaging, metabolism)
• Muscular Atrophy (blood)
• Prospective Studies
• Risk Factors
• Serum Albumin (metabolism)