There is mounting evidence indicating the association between oxidative stress and the detrimental effect it poses on muscle mass. However, the crucial interplay between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI), a key metric of antioxidant-rich diets, and the occurrence of muscle loss has remained largely unexplored. Hence, in this study, we aim to investigate the potential relationship between CDAI and muscle loss

This cross-sectional investigation harnessed data sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017 and 2018) to meticulously scrutinize the correlation between the CDAI and the occurrence of muscle loss. To unravel this intricate relationship, we engaged in multivariate weighted logistic regression analysis and employed smooth curve fitting techniques. Additionally, subgroup analyses were meticulously performed.

A total of 956 participants, with an average age of 42.15 years, were included in the final analysis, of which 52.19 % were males. Notably, the prevalence of low muscle mass among the study population was observed to be 15.48 %. The utilization of smooth curve fitting analysis underscored a nearly linear association between the CDAI and the presence of low muscle mass. Employing multivariate weighted logistic regression analysis, it was determined that the odds ratio (OR) between CDAI and low muscle mass was 0.88 (95 % [CI], 0.73–0.95). Through subgroup analyses, we further validated that CDAI independently mitigated the risk of muscle loss.

Higher CDAI levels were found to be associated with an reduced risk of low muscle mass in adults with metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).