Low urine pH associated with sarcopenia in the elderly: A multi-center observational study

Abstract

The pathophysiology of sarcopenia is complex and must be further explored. While metabolic acidosis may be a risk factor for sarcopenia, it remains unclear whether acidic urine is related to sarcopenia. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between sarcopenia and urine pH in the elderly.An elderly population (n=123 [male = 46]; mean age = 81.7years) was classified into 2 groups based on the sarcopenia status according to their strength, requirement of assistance in walking, their ability to rise from a chair their ability to climb stairs, and their history of falls. Urinalysis was measured using dipstick tests.The sarcopenia group (n=32) was significantly older, had less exercise habit and showed a lower urine pH (mean pH=5.5) in comparison to the nonsarcopenia group (mean pH=6.2, P