Seasonal variation in dietary intake and its association with muscle‑related parameters among institutionalized older adults: a prospective repeated‑measures study

Erem S., Gezer S., Ulusoy B., Atlı İ.

EUROPEAN GERIATRIC MEDICINE, cilt.00, sa.00, ss.0-1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 00 Sayı: 00
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s41999-026-01639-z
  • Dergi Adı: EUROPEAN GERIATRIC MEDICINE
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.0-1
  • Trakya Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Abstract

Purpose To investigate seasonal changes in dietary intake, Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity, and musclerelated

parameters among institutionalized older adults and to explore whether seasonal changes in nutrient intake were

associated with changes in muscle-related parameters.

Methods This exploratory prospective repeated-measures study included 31 institutionalized older adults (mean age, 75.4 ±

6.9 years; 74.2% male) residing in a long-term care facility in Türkiye. Participants were assessed in winter and summer using

anthropometric measurements, a single 24-hour dietary recall in each season, the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener

(MEDAS), and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Seasonal differences were assessed using paired statistical

tests, and exploratory linear regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between seasonal changes in

nutrient intake and muscle-related parameters.

Results Thirty-one participants completed assessments in both seasons. Energy (p = 0.033) and carbohydrate (p = 0.011)

intakes were lower in summer, particularly among men. Significant seasonal reductions were also observed in leucine,

omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid, zinc, and selenium intakes (p < 0.05). Mediterranean diet adherence and physical

activity remained stable across seasons. Calf circumference increased in the overall sample and among men (p ≤ 0.05),

whereas handgrip strength decreased among women (p < 0.05).