Association between edible mushrooms consumption and handgrip strength: A large-scale population based on the TCLSIH cohort study.

Background & Aims: Edible mushrooms can be referred to as a "super food" and are recommended as a valuable constituent of the daily diet. Animal studies have suggested that mushroom intake can increase muscle endurance due to its abundant nutrients, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, no studies have explored the association between edible mushrooms consumption and muscle strength in the general population. We aimed to investigate the association of edible mushrooms consumption with handgrip strength (HGS) among Chinese adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 32,308 adults (17,290 men), in Tianjin, China. Mushrooms consumption was assessed via a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Handgrip strength was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer. Analysis of covariance were used to evaluate the association between edible mushrooms consumption and handgrip strength.

Results: After adjusting potential confounding factors [age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol-consumption status, education levels, employment status, household income, physical activity, family history of diseases (cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes), metabolic syndromes, total energy intake, and dietary pattern], the least square means (95% confidence intervals) of HGS across consumption of edible mushrooms in males were 42.3 (41.0, 43.6) kg for ≤1 time/week, 43.4 (42.1, 44.6) kg for 2-3 times/week, and 43.2 (41.9, 44.4) kg for ≥4 times/week (P for trend <0.001). In females, least square means were 25.1 (24.0, 26.2) kg for ≤1 time/week, 25.7 (24.7, 26.8) kg for 2-3 times/week, and 25.7 (24.7, 26.8) kg for ≥4 times/week (P for trend <0.001). Similar associations were also observed for weight-adjusted HGS.

Conclusions: The study firstly revealed a positive association between edible mushrooms consumption and handgrip strength in both males and females. Further studies are needed to explore the casual relationship.

Trial Registered: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry. Reg no UMIN000027174. Trial registration website https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000031137.