Erythrocyte Fatty Acid Patterns Are Associated with Skeletal Muscle Mass in Chinese Children

Abstract

Background

Nutritional factors are important for skeletal muscle mass and grip strength development in children.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between erythrocyte membrane fatty acid patterns (FAPs) and skeletal muscle mass and grip strength in children.

Methods

A total of 452 children aged 6–9 y were included in this study. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Hand grip strength was determined by the Jamar Plus+ hand dynamometer (Sammons Preston). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) was calculated, and the relative concentrations of 20 fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Factor analysis was used to explore the relationship between fatty acids and skeletal muscle mass and grip strength.

Results

Five FAPs were identified by factor analysis, and after adjusting for covariates, a multiple linear regression model showed that FAP2 (high C17:0, C20:5 n–3, C22:6 n–3) showed a negative correlation with ASM (β = –0.214; P < 0.001), ASMI (β = –0.085; P < 0.001), and left-hand grip strength (β = –0.235; P = 0.012). FAP3 (high C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C16:1 n–7, low C20:4 n–6) scores were positively correlated with ASM (β = 0.134, P = 0.017). No other associations between FAPs and skeletal muscle mass were found.

Conclusions

The relationship between different FAPs and skeletal muscle health in children aged 6–9 y may be different. The pattern characterized by higher concentrations of C17:0, C20:5 n–3, and C22:6 n–3 in erythrocyte membranes may be associated with lower skeletal muscle mass. The pattern featuring higher concentrations of C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, and C16:1 n–7 and lower concentrations of C20:4 n–6 may be protective factors for muscle mass.