P 199 - Plasma 3-Methylhistidine as Marker for Muscle Status: Impact of Diet and Meat Intervention.

An increased loss of muscle mass during aging can lead to frailty and subsequently to disability which is associated with a higher mortality. An objective biomarker is needed for the identification of elevated muscle degradation and the diagnosis of frailty since current clinical tools may be biased. 3-Methylhistidine (3MH) is postulated as potential biomarker for muscle status but its plasma concentration is influenced by meat consumption. Therefore, a meat-free period is recommended before blood sampling; however this may be a limitation for clinical trials. To better understand the influence of the diet and meat consumption on plasma concentrations of 3MH, 1-Methylhistidine (1MH) and creatinine we analyzed these biomarkers by UPLC-MS/MS in 35 young participants, divided into a vegetarian (n=16) and an omnivore (n=19) group. After baseline measurements, the latter group adhered to a meat-free diet for six days, with a defined bolus of meat on day four. Data on anthropometry, body composition, grip strength, nutrition and physical activity were collected and will be assessed together with biomarker results. This study will help to objectively estimate the influence of nutrition on 3MH and test the suitability of 3MH as a biomarker of sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]