Simple Carbohydrate Intake and Higher Risk for Physical Frailty Over 15Years in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Insulin resistance is a major mechanism involved in the onset of physical frailty (PF). Although rich carbohydrate diets may promote insulin resistance, few studies have examined their association with PF risk. This study aimed to investigate the spectrum of carbohydrate exposure, including carbohydrate intake (simple, complex, and total), glycemic load (a measure of the diet-related insulin demand), and adherence to a low-carbohydrate diet with the incident risk of PF in community-dwelling older adults. Baseline carbohydrate exposure was assessed in nonfrail participants of the Three-City Bordeaux cohort using a 24-hour dietary recall. Over 15 years of follow-up, participants were screened for PF, defined by the FRAIL scale (>= 3 criteria out of Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, and weight Loss). Associations were estimated using mixed-effects logistic models adjusted for sex, age, education, smoking status, alcohol consumption, depressive symptomatology, global cognitive performances, and protein and energy intakes. The sample included 1 210 participants (62% females, mean age 76 years). Over the follow-up, 295 (24%) incident cases of PF were documented (28% in females, 18% in males). Higher intake of simple carbohydrates was significantly associated with greater odds of incident PF (per 1-SD increased: OR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.02-1.62), specifically among males (OR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.04-2.22). No association was observed with complex or total carbohydrate intake, glycemic load, or low-carbohydrate diet. Among the whole carbohydrate exposure, only higher consumption of simple carbohydrates in older age was associated with a higher risk of developing PF. Further studies are required to explore underlying mechanisms.

Automated summary

The study investigated the relationship between carbohydrate exposure and the risk of physical frailty, finding that higher intake of simple carbohydrates was significantly associated with a greater risk of physical frailty in older males. No significant associations were observed with complex or total carbohydrate intake, glycemic load, or adherence to a low-carbohydrate diet. Additional research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms.