Macronutrient Intake and Distribution in the Etiology, Prevention and Treatment of Osteosarcopenic Obesity.

Osteosarcopenic obesity, a deterioration of bone, muscle and fat tissues, could become the ultimate trajectory of aging. Aging stem cells are modulated by low-grade chronic inflammation and possibly a reduced nutrient intake. The resultant metabolic change in stem cells towards adipogenesis results in fat infiltration of bones (osteo obesity) and muscle (sarco obesity) and an overall increase in fat mass and adipokine production (obesity). Currently, no nutritional causes or treatment/prevention guidelines exist for osteosarcopenic obesity. Early humans, compared to dietary habits of modern humans, probably consumed a diet closer to what the human body was designed for. The age related decline in energy and macronutrient intake is also an important factor to consider in conditions associated with aging. Food, and its assortment of nutrients and bioactive compounds with functional properties are the building blocks required to maintain life, however, we do not know the ideal amounts and proportions for the optimal health and survival. Macronutrients have numerous physiological functions but are regarded mainly for their energy contribution. This may be why some of them are not given more research attention within a bone and muscle environment. This review assembles the evidence to elucidate the effect of macronutrients consumption within the current Western diet, on the development of osteosarcopenic obesity, as well as provide the insight for its possible prevention. Additionally, in view of the role of brain and neuromuscular system in locomotion, functionality and cognition, we included a section examining the macronutrients as possible modulators of brain functioning within the context of osteosarcopenic obesity.