Research

11 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Blood Parameters of Nutritional Status and Functional Status in Extreme Longevity

by Malgorzata Kupisz-Urbanska, Ewa Marcinowska-Suchowierska and Piotr Jankowski

Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1141; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081141 - 12 Apr 2024

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Background: The relationship between functional and nutritional status in the geriatric population remains an issue of debate and there is a gap in the knowledge regarding this field in long-lived individuals. Aim: The main aim of this study was to assess the association [...] Read more.

Background: The relationship between functional and nutritional status in the geriatric population remains an issue of debate and there is a gap in the knowledge regarding this field in long-lived individuals. Aim: The main aim of this study was to assess the association between selected blood parameters of nutritional status and functional status in extreme longevity. Methods: The inclusion criteria were centenarians above 100 years of age who were examined at their homes, and blood samples were collected. The study group consisted of 170 individuals (25 men and 145 women, median age 100.75 years [100.29–101.58]). Results: Total protein and albumin serum concentration was significantly lower in long-lived individuals with severe functional decline compared to individuals with preserved functional status, p = 0.000001 and p = 0.0000, respectively. Iron serum level was significantly higher in the group with preserved functional status, p = 0.04. Preserved functional status was positively correlated with total protein serum concentration (p = 0.000), albumin concentration (p = 0.000), and iron serum level (p = 0.029). A negative correlation was stated between c-reactive protein (CRP) and functional status (p = 0.032). Univariable logistic regression analysis showed that the functional status of long-lived individuals depends on total protein (OR 2.89, CI 95% [1.67–5.0]) and albumin concentrations (OR 2.34, CI 95% [1.39–3.92]). Multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that a total protein concentration was the only variable independently related to the preserved functional status (OR 3.2, 95% Cl [1.8–5.67]). Conclusions: In long-lived individuals, the total serum protein and albumin levels are lower in centenarians with severe functional decline, and they correlate with functional status. Total protein serum concentration is the only factor independently related to the preserved functional status in extreme longevity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Intake and Health Status in Older Adults)

18 pages, 823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reproducibility and Relative Validity of a Short Food Frequency Questionnaire for Chinese Older Adults in Hong Kong

by Vicky Wai-ki Chan, Joson Hao-shen Zhou, Liz Li, Michael Tsz-hin Tse, Jane Jia You, Man-sau Wong, Justina Yat-wa Liu and Kenneth Ka-hei Lo

Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081132 - 11 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Changes in an individual’s digestive system, hormones, senses of smell and taste, and energy requirement accompanying aging could lead to impaired appetite, but older adults may not notice their risk of nutrient deficiency. When assessing the dietary intake of older adults, it was [...] Read more.

Changes in an individual’s digestive system, hormones, senses of smell and taste, and energy requirement accompanying aging could lead to impaired appetite, but older adults may not notice their risk of nutrient deficiency. When assessing the dietary intake of older adults, it was found that they had more difficulties with short-term recall and open-ended recall and would experience greater fatigue and frustration when compared to younger individuals when completing a lengthy questionnaire. There is a need to develop a brief dietary assessment tool to examine the nutritional needs of older adults. In this study, we aimed to assess the diet of Hong Kong older adults using the short FFQ and examine its reproducibility and relative validity as a dietary assessment tool. Dietary data of 198 older adults were collected via FFQs and three-day dietary records. Correlation analyses, cross-tabulation, one-sample t-tests, and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the relative validity of the short FFQ. In general, the short FFQ was accurate in assessing the intake of phosphorus, water, grains, and wine, as shown by a significant correlation (>0.7) between values reported in the FFQs and dietary records; good agreement (more than 50% of observations belonged to the same quartile) and insignificant differences detected with the one-sample t-tests and linear regression analyses were observed for the above four variables. Additionally, the intake of proteins, carbohydrates, total fat, magnesium, and eggs in terms of the values reported in the FFQs and dietary records showed good agreement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Intake and Health Status in Older Adults)

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11 pages, 1083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Eating Alone and Handgrip Strength in Korean Older Adults

by Min Young Yoo, Hong Ji Song, Kyung Hee Park, Young-Gyun Seo, Hye-Ji An, Yu-Jin Paek and Hye-Mi Noh

Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050654 - 26 Feb 2024

Viewed by 663

Abstract

Sarcopenia is defined as an age-related decline in muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. Eating alone has been linked to various health issues in older adults. This study investigated the relationship between eating alone and handgrip strength (HGS) in older adults using [...] Read more.

Sarcopenia is defined as an age-related decline in muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. Eating alone has been linked to various health issues in older adults. This study investigated the relationship between eating alone and handgrip strength (HGS) in older adults using data from 7278 individuals (≥65 years) who participated in the 2014–2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. HGS was measured using a digital grip strength dynamometer, relative HGS was calculated by dividing HGS by body mass index, and dynapenia was defined as an HGS < 28 kg for men and <18 kg for women. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that women who ate two meals alone were more likely to exhibit dynapenia than those who never ate alone (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.77). If the groups that never ate alone or ate one meal alone were combined as the reference group, the probability of dynapenia was higher in the combined groups that ate two or three meals alone (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.04–1.50). No association was observed between eating alone and dynapenia in men. This suggests that eating alone is a modifiable related factor of dynapenia in older women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Intake and Health Status in Older Adults)

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16 pages, 1136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Sodium Restriction and Frailty among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: An 8-Year Longitudinal Study

by Yu-Chun Lin and Huang-Ting Yan

Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050580 - 20 Feb 2024

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Abstract

Frailty is a common geriatric syndrome. However, there is little information about the relationship between dietary sodium restriction (DSR) and frailty in later life. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between DSR and frailty in middle-aged and older adults. The 8-year follow-up [...] Read more.

Frailty is a common geriatric syndrome. However, there is little information about the relationship between dietary sodium restriction (DSR) and frailty in later life. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between DSR and frailty in middle-aged and older adults. The 8-year follow-up data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging, including 5131 individuals aged ≥50 years, were analyzed using random-effects panel logit models. DSR was evaluated by assessing whether the participants were told by a physician to reduce or avoid sodium intake from food. Three indices were used to measure frailty: the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) index, the Fried index, and the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illness, and Loss of weight (FRAIL) index. Individuals with DSR were more likely to report frailty compared with those with non-DSR (SOF: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46–2.27; Fried: AOR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.64–3.98; FRAIL: AOR = 2.66, 95% CI = 1.89–3.74). DSR was associated with a higher likelihood of SBF (AOR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.61–4.22). We identified a temporal trajectory in our study, noting significant participant reactions to both short- and mid-term DSR. Future research should address the balance between frailty risk and cardiovascular risk related to DSR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Intake and Health Status in Older Adults)

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16 pages, 637 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sociodemographic and Health Indicators of Diet Quality in Pre-Frail Older Adults in New Zealand

by Esther Tay, Daniel Barnett, Maisie Rowland, Ngaire Kerse, Richard Edlin, Debra L. Waters, Martin Connolly, Avinesh Pillai, Evelingi Tupou and Ruth Teh

Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4416; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204416 - 18 Oct 2023

Viewed by 939

Abstract

This study aimed to identify sociodemographic and health indicators of diet quality in pre-frail community-dwelling older adults. Pre-frail older adults are those at risk of progression to clinical manifestations of frailty and are targets for preventative intervention. We previously reported that pre-frail older [...] Read more.

This study aimed to identify sociodemographic and health indicators of diet quality in pre-frail community-dwelling older adults. Pre-frail older adults are those at risk of progression to clinical manifestations of frailty and are targets for preventative intervention. We previously reported that pre-frail older adults have reasonably good overall diet quality. However, further analyses found a low intake of energy, protein and several micronutrients. Methods: We collected detailed dietary intake from pre-frail (FRAIL scale 1–2) older adults using NZ Intake24, an online version of 24 h multiple pass dietary recall. Diet quality was ascertained with the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I). We used regression generalized linear models to determine predictors of diet quality as well as classification and regression tree (CART) analysis to examine the complex relationships between predictors and identified profiles of sub-groups of older adults that predict diet quality. Results: The median age in this sample (n = 468) was 80.0 years (77.0–84.0). Living with others, a high deprivation index and a higher BMI were independent predictors of poorer diet quality. With CART analysis, we found that those with a BMI > 29 kg/m², living with others and younger than 80 years were likely to have a lower diet quality. Conclusions: We found that BMI, living arrangement and socioeconomic status were independent predictors of diet quality in pre-frail older adults, with BMI being the most important variable in this sample when the interaction of these variables was considered. Future research is needed to determine the similarities and/or differences in the profile of subgroups of older adults with poorer diet quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Intake and Health Status in Older Adults)

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15 pages, 876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frailty-Preventing Effect of an Intervention Program Using a Novel Complete Nutritional “COMB-FP Meal”: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial

by Takuo Nakazeko, Naohisa Shobako, Nobuhiko Shioya, Yoshitaka Iwama, Yukio Hirano, Shintaro Fujii, Futoshi Nakamura and Keiko Honda

Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4317; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204317 - 10 Oct 2023

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Abstract

Frailty is a huge concern for the aging population, and dietary nutrition is considered a key factor in the prevention of aging. To solve the problem of frailty in the aging population, we developed a novel dietary intervention program using a novel COMpletely [...] Read more.

Frailty is a huge concern for the aging population, and dietary nutrition is considered a key factor in the prevention of aging. To solve the problem of frailty in the aging population, we developed a novel dietary intervention program using a novel COMpletely Balanced for Frailty Prevention (COMB-FP) meal, based on the Dietary Reference Intake for Japanese; in addition, we conducted a pilot randomized control trial comparing an exercise program only (control group) with exercise plus the COMB-FP meal program (test group). We included 110 male and female healthy volunteers with pre-frailty or frailty; the trial lasted for 12 weeks. Two daily meals were replaced with the COMB-FP meals during the trial in the test group. Walking speed and cognitive function were significantly improved in the test group compared with the control group. We observed a similar pattern in other frailty-related outcomes, such as occupancy of the microbiome, World Health Organization well-being index (WHO-5), and oxidative stress. Our study might indicate the importance of a well-balanced intake of nutrients for frailty prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Intake and Health Status in Older Adults)

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15 pages, 805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Supplementation of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum (Chayote) Promotes Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Protection in Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

by Graciela Gavia-García, David Hernández-Álvarez, Taide Laurita Arista-Ugalde, Itzen Aguiñiga-Sánchez, Edelmiro Santiago-Osorio, Víctor Manuel Mendoza-Núñez and Juana Rosado-Pérez

Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4106; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194106 - 22 Sep 2023

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Abstract

The aim was to determine the effect of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum (chayote) on gene expression related to antioxidant protection mechanisms and the inflammatory process in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A quasi-experimental study was carried out in a convenience sample [...] Read more.

The aim was to determine the effect of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum (chayote) on gene expression related to antioxidant protection mechanisms and the inflammatory process in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A quasi-experimental study was carried out in a convenience sample of 46 older adults diagnosed with MetS: (i) placebo group (PG; n = 20); (ii) experimental group (EG; n = 26). The clinical, biochemical, anthropometric parameters and SOD, GPx, and CAT enzyme activity, alongside total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α), and mRNA expression of SOD, GPx, CAT, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, Nrf2, NFkB p50, and NFkB p65, were measured at baseline and 6 months post-intervention. A statistically significant decrease was observed in TOS (baseline, 28.9 ± 3.6 vs. post, 23.7 ± 3.4, p < 0.01) and OSI (baseline, 24.1 ± 3.8 vs. post, 17.7 ± 4), as well as an increase in IL-6 (baseline, 10.7 ± 1.1 vs. post, 12.3 ± 2, p = 0.03), SOD activity (baseline, 167.1 ± 11.9 vs. post, 180.6 ± 7.6, p < 0.05), CAT activity (baseline, 1.0 ± 0.2 vs. post, 1.3 ± 0.2, p < 0.01), and TAS (baseline, 1.1 ± 0.1 vs. post, 1.4 ± 0.1, p < 0.01) in the EG compared to the PG. Regarding the expression of Nrf2, SOD, and IL-6, the EG showed a significant increase vs. basal levels (47%, 44%, and 43%, respectively). Our findings suggest that Sechium edule supplementation promotes the antioxidant response and decreases oxidative stress via Nrf2. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Intake and Health Status in Older Adults)

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11 pages, 727 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Status and Frailty Improvement through Senior-Friendly Diet among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in South Korea

by Hye-Ri Shin, Young-Sun Kim, Yoo-Kyung Park, Seul-Ki Koo, Woo-Hyun Son, Jae-Won Han, Eun-Ha Son, Hae-Jin Kang, Kyeong-Hee Choi, Jin-Soo Han, Hyun-Sun Lee and Hee-Sook Lim

Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1381; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061381 - 13 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2915

Abstract

Considering that Korea’s aging population is rapidly increasing, health serves as an indicator of older adults’ quality of life, and dietary life directly affects their health. For health maintenance and improvement, preventive healthcare measures including safe food selection and nutritional supply are needed. [...] Read more.

Considering that Korea’s aging population is rapidly increasing, health serves as an indicator of older adults’ quality of life, and dietary life directly affects their health. For health maintenance and improvement, preventive healthcare measures including safe food selection and nutritional supply are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of senior-friendly diet on nutrition and health status improvement in older adults receiving community care. A total of 180 older adults were analyzed, with 154 and 26 in the senior-friendly diet intervention group and the general diet group, respectively. Surveys, blood tests, and frailty evaluations were conducted before and after the study. After 5 months of intervention, the blood status, nutrient intake, and frailty level were evaluated. The participants’ mean age was 82.7 years, and 89.4% of them were living alone. In both groups, energy, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium intake were insufficient initially but generally improved after the intervention. Especially in the intervention group, energy, protein, vitamin D, vitamin C, and folic acid intake significantly increased. The frailty level also slightly improved, and the malnutrition rate was reduced. Even after the passage of time, the improvement effect size significantly differed between the groups. Therefore, resolving and supporting meals corresponding to the physiological needs of the older adults has a great impact on improving their quality of life, and such special consideration is a reasonable way to respond to a super-aged society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Intake and Health Status in Older Adults)

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21 pages, 659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Establishing Healthy Eating ‘Habits’: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial of a Habit-Based Dietary Intervention following Oral Rehabilitation for Older Adults

by Sinead Watson, Leigh-Ann McCrum, Bernadette McGuinness, Christopher Cardwell, Mike Clarke, Jayne V. Woodside, Gerry McKenna and Laura McGowan

Nutrients 2023, 15(3), 731; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030731 - 01 Feb 2023

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Abstract

An ageing population presents significant nutritional challenges, particularly for partially dentate adults. This two-armed pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) compared habit formation (automaticity) for healthy eating behaviours between control and intervention groups after participation in a habit-based dietary intervention for older adults, following [...] Read more.

An ageing population presents significant nutritional challenges, particularly for partially dentate adults. This two-armed pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) compared habit formation (automaticity) for healthy eating behaviours between control and intervention groups after participation in a habit-based dietary intervention for older adults, following oral rehabilitation in the United Kingdom (UK). n = 54 participants were randomised to receive a habit-based dietary intervention (intervention group n = 27, IG) or standard dietary advice in a leaflet (control group n = 27, CG). The IG attended three sessions over six weeks, which focused on habit formation for three healthy eating behaviours (increasing fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, and healthy proteins). Participants were assessed for habit strength (using the Self-Report Behavioural Automaticity Index (SRBAI)) alongside health and nutrition outcomes at six weeks, four months and eight months. Forty-nine participants completed all follow-up visits. The IG compared to the CG had significant increases in automaticity at six weeks, four months (primary outcome) and eight months for eating ≥3 portions of fruit and vegetables; choosing wholegrain sources over white alternatives, and choosing healthy protein sources over red/processed meat. The mean change in the Mini Nutritional Assessment total score was greater in the IG compared with the CG at six weeks only (p = 0.03). A habit-based dietary intervention following oral rehabilitation increased automaticity for healthy dietary behaviours, which could translate into clinically meaningful benefits in this cohort of older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Intake and Health Status in Older Adults)

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Review

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19 pages, 366 KiB

Open AccessReview

Diagnostic Criteria and Measurement Techniques of Sarcopenia: A Critical Evaluation of the Up-to-Date Evidence

by Gavriela Voulgaridou, Stefanos Tyrovolas, Paraskevi Detopoulou, Despoina Tsoumana, Mariella Drakaki, Thomas Apostolou, Ioanna P. Chatziprodromidou, Dimitrios Papandreou, Constantinos Giaginis and Sousana K. Papadopoulou

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030436 - 01 Feb 2024

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Abstract

Sarcopenia, a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive skeletal muscle mass and function decline, poses a significant health risk among the elderly, contributing to frailty, falls, hospitalization, loss of independence and mortality. The prevalence of sarcopenia varies significantly based on various factors, such as [...] Read more.

Sarcopenia, a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive skeletal muscle mass and function decline, poses a significant health risk among the elderly, contributing to frailty, falls, hospitalization, loss of independence and mortality. The prevalence of sarcopenia varies significantly based on various factors, such as living status, demographics, measurement techniques and diagnostic criteria. Although the overall prevalence is reported at 10% in individuals aged 60 and above, disparities exist across settings, with higher rates in nursing homes and hospitals. Additionally, the differences in prevalence between Asian and non-Asian countries highlight the impact of cultural and ethnic factors, and variations in diagnostic criteria, cut-off values and assessment methods contribute to the observed heterogeneity in reported rates. This review outlines diverse diagnostic criteria and several measurement techniques supporting decision making in clinical practice. Moreover, it facilitates the selection of appropriate tools to assess sarcopenia, emphasizing its multifactorial nature. Various scientific groups, including the European Working Group of Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS), the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia (AWGS), the American Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) and the Sarcopenia Definition and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC), have published consensus papers outlining diverse definitions of sarcopenia. The choice of diagnostic criteria should be aligned with the specific objectives of the study or clinical practice, considering the characteristics of the study population and available resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Intake and Health Status in Older Adults)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

44 pages, 7146 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Pre-Therapeutic Sarcopenia among Cancer Patients: An Up-to-Date Meta-Analysis of Prevalence and Predictive Value during Cancer Treatment

by Anne-Laure Couderc, Evelyne Liuu, Pascaline Boudou-Rouquette, Johanne Poisson, Maxime Frelaut, Coline Montégut, Soraya Mebarki, Romain Geiss, Zoé ap Thomas, Aurélien Noret, Monica Pierro, Capucine Baldini, Elena Paillaud and Frédéric Pamoukdjian

Nutrients 2023, 15(5), 1193; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051193 - 27 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2973

Abstract

This study will address the prevalence of pre-therapeutic sarcopenia (PS) and its clinical impact during cancer treatment among adult cancer patients ≥ 18 years of age. A meta-analysis (MA) with random-effect models was performed via a MEDLINE systematic review, according to the PRISMA [...] Read more.

This study will address the prevalence of pre-therapeutic sarcopenia (PS) and its clinical impact during cancer treatment among adult cancer patients ≥ 18 years of age. A meta-analysis (MA) with random-effect models was performed via a MEDLINE systematic review, according to the PRISMA statement, focusing on articles published before February 2022 that reported observational studies and clinical trials on the prevalence of PS and the following outcomes: overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), post-operative complications (POC), toxicities (TOX), and nosocomial infections (NI). A total of 65,936 patients (mean age: 45.7–85 y) with various cancer sites and extensions and various treatment modes were included. Mainly defined by CT scan-based loss of muscle mass only, the pooled prevalence of PS was 38.0%. The pooled relative risks were 1.97, 1.76, 2.70, 1.47, and 1.76 for OS, PFS, POC, TOX, and NI, respectively (moderate-to-high heterogeneity, I²: 58–85%). Consensus-based algorithm definitions of sarcopenia, integrating low muscle mass and low levels of muscular strength and/or physical performance, lowered the prevalence (22%) and heterogeneity (I² < 50%). They also increased the predictive values with RRs ranging from 2.31 (OS) to 3.52 (POC). PS among cancer patients is prevalent and strongly associated with poor outcomes during cancer treatment, especially when considering a consensus-based algorithm approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Intake and Health Status in Older Adults)

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