Editorial: Nutritional Strategies and Diet-Microbiota Interaction to Improve Skeletal

Guang-xu Ren ^1* Li-jing Ke ²

• ¹ Institute of Food and Nutrition Development, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
• ² School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom

In this Research Topic, several studies have examined the relationship between nutritional strategies, diet-microbiota interactions, and skeletal muscle function, particularly in addressing skeletal muscle atrophy. These studies explore different dietary and metabolic factors influencing muscle health, providing valuable insights into potential interventions for improving skeletal muscle function and preventing muscle loss.In the context of oxidative balance and skeletal muscle health, Zhao, X. et al.[1] investigated the Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) using data from NHANES (2011–2018). Their findings demonstrated that individuals with a higher OBS had greater skeletal muscle mass and strength, indicating that antioxidant-rich diets and healthy lifestyle choices may help protect against sarcopenia by mitigating oxidative stress​.Regarding micronutrition intake and muscle function, Li, J. et al.[2] explored the association between dietary selenium intake and sarcopenia in American adults. Their results showed an inverse correlation between selenium consumption and sarcopenia prevalence, with higher selenium intake linked to better muscle mass and function. These findings highlight selenium’s role in maintaining skeletal muscle health​.On the topic of gut microbiota and metabolic health, Myhrstad, M. C. W. et al.[3] examined the connection between gut microbiota composition, metabolic markers, and physical activity of healthy adults. Their study found that specific gut bacteria were associated with improved metabolic regulation and muscle performance, reinforcing the potential of gut microbiota modulation in muscle health.In the association between dietary patterns and musculoskeletal health, Runting, H. et al.[4] analyzed the link between dietary patterns and bone mineral density (BMD) in middle-aged and elderly individuals. They identified that diets rich in choline, selenium, and protein were correlated with higher BMD, suggesting that nutrient-dense dietary approaches can support both bone and muscle health​.Furthermore, Liu, Z. et al.[5] explored the role of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in osteoporosis prevention. Their study demonstrated a significant inverse relationship between omega-3 intake and osteoporosis risk, suggesting that omega-3’s anti-inflammatory properties may also contribute to muscle preservation. These findings underscore omega-3’s importance in musculoskeletal health​.Overall, the studies in this Research Topic emphasize the multifaceted role of nutrition, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota in skeletal muscle function. Key takeaways include:Antioxidant-rich diets may help mitigate oxidative stress and muscle atrophy.Selenium intake is associated with reduced sarcopenia risk and improved muscle mass.Gut microbiota composition plays a role in metabolic regulation and muscle function, highlighting the potential of microbiota-targeted interventions.Balanced dietary patterns, rich in essential nutrients like choline, selenium, and protein, support both bone and muscle health.Omega-3 fatty acids not only promote bone density but also offer anti-inflammatory benefits, which may help preserve muscle function.These findings suggest that precision nutrition approaches integrating gut microbiota modulation, antioxidant intake, and key dietary components could be promising strategies for enhancing skeletal muscle function and preventing atrophy. Future research should be brough towards personalized nutritional interventions to optimize musculoskeletal health.