Frailty is a common problem facing many older adults. The challenge can be made worse by a high-sugar diet, a new study finds.

Investigators carrying out a three-year study found that participants who consumed the most added sugar were 2.3 times more likely to develop frailty than the lowest third. Full findings appear in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Frailty is characterized by reduced resistance to low-stress events. This usually happens as numerous physiological systems weaken over time. Several studies have linked nutritional status to frailty. Nutrition and resistance training are typically recommended as counter measures.