The present study aimed to provide age- and sex-specific normative values for muscle mass parameters in Brazilian adults.
Data pertaining to Brazilian adults (18+ years) who attended a nutritional clinical between January 2018 and July 2022 were analyzed. Muscle mass parameters were assessed using a bioimpedance digital scale (InBody 230, GBC BioMed NZ). Assessments were conducted under standard conditions, with participants refraining from physical exercise for 96 h and from eating or drinking (including water) for 8 h before evaluations.
A total of 18,625 Brazilian adults were analyzed. Normative values for absolute and relative (height, m2) muscle mass and appendicular muscle mass (ASM) were calculated. In addition, specific age-related changes in muscle mass parameters were observed. In women, muscle mass peaked between the ages of 40–49 before gradually declining at an average rate of 5.7% per decade from the sixth decade of life onwards. ASM reached its peak earlier, during the third decade of life, and started to decline later, from 50 to 59 years. In contrast, absolute and ASM peaked at 40–49 years and declined from the sixth decade of life in men. Both sexes displayed a slightly greater decline in ASM than in muscle mass (13 vs. 12%).
The present study provides normative values for absolute and relative muscle mass and ASM in Brazilian adults. Furthermore, important specific age-related changes in muscle mass parameters were observed. These data have public health implications and might serve as a reference tool to guide health professionals.