Background. Decreased muscle mass and bone mineral density are interrelated processes that often occur in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Damages to the gastrointestinal tract may also occur, leading to impaired absorption and digestion of food, as well as a deterioration in protein and energy metabolism in the body, which also results in changes in the body composition.
Objective. Evaluation of associations of osteoporosis, sarcopenia and osteosarcopenia with the nutritional status and physical condition of women with RA.
Methods. The cross-sectional study included 157 women with RA, who underwent clinical, laboratory and instrumental examinations (densitometry); nutritional status and physical activity were assessed.
Results. 37.6% of the individuals examined had osteoporosis, sarcopenia, or osteosarcopenia. Differences in assessing nutritional status using the MNA questionnaire and the amount of calcium intake from food between groups were revealed. Associations were established between the presence of osteosarcopenia and the frequency of intense physical activity <2 days per week (odds ratio [OR]=3.38 [95% CI: 1.04; 10.87], p=0.042), with assessment of nutritional status according to the MNA questionnaire (OR=1.39 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.85), p=0.029), dietary calcium intake less than 500 mg/day (OR=4.02 (95% CI: 1, 28; 12.61), p=0.018).
Conclusion. Osteosarcopenia was associated with nutritional status assessed by the MNA questionnaire, low dietary calcium intake and low frequency of intensive physical activity.

Keywords: physical performance, osteosarcopenia, nutritional status, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, physical activity