The World Health Organization has recommended 5 g/day as dietary reference intakes for
salt. In Japan, the averages for men and women were 11.0 g/day and 9.3 g/day, respectively. Recently, it was reported that amounts of
sodium accumulation in skeletal muscles of older people were significantly higher than those in younger people. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the risk of
sarcopenia with decreased muscle mass and strength was related to the amount of
salt intake. In addition, we investigated its involvement with
renalase. Four groups based on age and
salt intake ("younger low-
salt," "younger high-
salt," "older low-
salt," and "older high-
salt") were compared. Stratifying by age category, body fat percentage significantly increased in high-
salt groups in both younger and older people. Handgrip strength/
body weight and chair rise tests of the older high-
salt group showed significant reduction compared to the older low-
salt group. However, there was no significant difference in
renalase concentrations in plasma. The results suggest that high-
salt intake may lead to fat accumulation and
muscle weakness associated with
sarcopenia. Therefore, efforts to reduce
salt intake may prevent
sarcopenia.