Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the dietary and nutritional status of the elderly with low muscle mass in Guangzhou and provide nutritional recommendations for older adults to maintain their skeletal muscle mass.MethodsLow-muscle-mass elderly people involved in a whey protein supplementation randomized controlled trial were selected from Guangzhou City to participate in the baseline survey. Basic information and anthropometric measurements were collected. Dietary intakes of participants in the past one year were assessed using a 79-item food frequency questionnaire.ResultsA total of 122 elderly residents were investigated, including 61 men and 61 women, with an average age of (71.3±3.8) years．Appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) was (6.39±0.47) in men and (4.94±0.38) in women. The average of daily protein, vitamin E, vitamin C and iron intake met the dietary reference intakes (DRIs). Daily energy intake accounted for 80% of DRIs, but the average intakes of calcium in men and women only met 59.7% and 57.7% of DRIs, respectively. Intakes of vegetable and meats were (344.3±150.3) and (100.2±67.8) g/d in men, and (352.9±154.1) and (79.8±49.4) g/d in women, which were sufficient. Intakes of fruit, milk and soy bean products were lower than the DRIs. Intakes of fruits were (137.7±110.9) g/d in men and (121.6±62.7) g/d in women. Intakes of milk were (45.6±60.6) g/d in men and (61.0±69.0) g/d in women. Intakes of soy bean products in men and women were (17.4±31.4) and (17.1±33.8) g/wk, respectively.ConclusionThe intakes of dietary protein were sufficient, but milk, soy bean products and fruits were insufficient in the elderly with low muscle mass in Guangzhou City. Their dietary structure should be improved to maintain appropriate skeletal muscle mass.