Abstract: Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. It has gained extensive attention due to its increasing prevalence all over the world. Adverse health consequences of sarcopenia are rising gradually, thereby resulting in the loss of independent living, increasing health costs, and reducing the quality of life. As the population ages, the incidence of skeletal muscle diseases including sarcopenia increased. Numerous mechanisms have been suggested as potential contributors to sarcopenia onset, including aging anorexia, protein imbalance, and oxidative stress. Likewise, no pharmacological remedies are yet available to prevent the onset of age-related muscle wasting. In this scenario, the combination of nutritional and physical interventions appears to be the most effective strategy available for the management of sarcopenia. In this article, the definition and pathogenesis of sarcopenia, current knowledge on the role of dietary nutrition as a countermeasure for sarcopenia, and the mechanisms of action of relevant dietary agents for sarcopenia are summarized and discussed; novel nutritional strategies for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia are proposed. Finally, the synergistic strategy between rational diet and exercise training is elaborated, in order to provide an optimal choice for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.

Key words: sarcopenia, nutrition, muscle, pathogenesis, signaling pathway, prevention and treatment strategies