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One of the most important findings in the field of the biology of aging has been the demonstration that modest dietary restriction extends life span in a wide range of taxonomically disparate organisms. There is currently a debate as to whether longevity is prolonged because of caloric restriction or due to more specific nutrient effects. Recent advances in nutritional research, notably the development of state--space geometric models, the Geometric Framework (GF), offer new opportunities to disentangle the effects of calories and nutrients. We begin by introducing these models, then set out the four questions that must be addressed to establish the relationship between nutrition and aging and indicate how the GF might help in answering these. We next provide an exemplar experimental protocol and consider some practical challenges to implementing the GF. Our conclusion is that Drosophila provides the most suitable system for an initial study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of nutritional intake on sarcopenia has been mostly examined in class II sarcopenia, i.e. when muscle mass has sufficiently decreased to induce a loss in physical capacity. Although this provides important information regarding the treatment of sarcopenia, it may not help highlight mechanisms involved at the very beginning of its development. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that class l sarcopenia is associated with differences in antioxidant intakes (vitamins A, C, E and selenium) and status in healthy, older white men and women when physical activity and protein intake are taken into account. Design: Fat-free mass and total appendicular skeletal muscle mass was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 50 healthy, older white men (n = 16) and women (n = 34) aged 60-75 yrs. Physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) was determined using a Caltrac accelerometer over a 3-d period. Dietary protein and antioxidant intakes were estimated from a 3-d food record and serum total antioxidant activity (TAA) was measured by a ferrylmyoglobin- ABTS assay. Results: The prevalence of class I sarcopenia was 23.5 % in women and 25.0 % in men; 12 participants were thus considered sarcopenic (4 men and 8 women) and 38 participants were considered nonsarcopenic (12 men and 26 women). Our results showed that PAEE, serum albumin concentrations, TAA, and the four antioxidants intake levels were similar between groups. On the other hand, our results showed that total protein intake was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the non-sarcopenic group than in the sarcopenic group. Also, the number of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) reached for the antioxidant nutrients and protein intakes by the non-sarcopenic group was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in the sarcopenic group. Conclusions: Although there were no significant differences between the sarcopenic and the non-sarcopenic group when antioxidant intakes were considered individually, we observed that the number of RDAs reached for antioxidant micronutrients and protein in healthy, older white men and women was lower in sarcopenic than nonsarcopenic individuals. Our results also suggest that a higher total dietary protein intake is associated with the preservation of muscle mass loss although both groups displayed values above actual RDAs. Obviously, prospective studies are needed to determine the minimum amount of protein in the diet needed to prevent class I sarcopenia and to examine the utility of antioxidant intake to combat the age-related loss in skeletal muscle mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a meta-analysis of randomized trials that study the efficacy of folic acid supplements in stroke prevention. Eight randomized trials were used. Relative risk was defined as the measure effect of folic acid on the risk of stroke, stratified to account for other treatment factors. The study found that folic acid significantly reduced the risk of stroke by 18%. Greater benefits were derived from treatment of 36 months or longer, a decrease in the concentration of homocysteine of more than 20%. no fortification or partly fortified grain and no history of stroke.

The article presents a cross-sectional study on the bone response to chronic non-weight-beating exercise. In this paper, the researchers aim to assess whether its skeletal adaptations depend on the type of aquatic exercise like swimming or water polo as well as on sex between men or women. This study has been conducted at the Laboratory of Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece which was participated by a total of 43 water polo players, 26 swimmers, and 30 sedentary individuals, aged 17 to 34 years. Its conclusion indicated that water polo playing may be preferable over swimming for maintaining bone health, however, have unfavorable effects on the lower limb bones.

The article reports on the nutritional and botanical approaches to anti-aging. According to theories of cellular aging, the aging process is believed to be a result of accumulation of cellular damage and mutation. With the suggestion that aging may result from the accumulation of cell damage, interventions to produce antioxidant activities to possibly slow down the aging process are possible.

Objective:To investigate and compare the associations between dietary patterns and mortality using different European indexes of overall dietary quality.Design, Setting and Participants:The HALE (Healthy Ageing: a Longitudinal study in Europe) population includes 2068 men and 1049 women, aged between 70 and 90 years of 10 European countries. Subjects were followed for 10 years. This cohort study was conducted between 1988 and 2000.Results:During the follow-up period, 1382 people died. The Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) (HR: 0.82 with 95% CI: 0.75–0.91), the Mediterranean Adequacy Index (MDI) (HR: 0.83 with 95% CI: 0.75–0.92) and the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI)(HR: 0.89 with 95% CI: 0.81–0.98) were inversely associated with all-causes mortality. Adjustments were made for age, gender, alcohol consumption, physical activity, smoking, number of years of education, body mass index, chronic diseases at baseline and study centre.Conclusions:The MDS, the MDI and the HDI were significantly inversely related with mortality.Sponsorship:This study is based on data of the HALE project and supported by a grant from the European Union (QLK6-CT-2000–00211) to D Kromhout.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006) 60, 746–755. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602378; published online 18 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the nutritional status of Finnish home care patients (n = 178), their problems related to eating, digestion, and diet; their use of Meals on Wheels services; and informal caregivers' role in nutritional support. Half of the patients were at risk for malnutrition and 3% were malnourished according to Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) results. Most patients had problems with food intake, which were related to lower MNA scores. One-third of the participants had an unbalanced diet, and approximately half received assistance with shopping and food preparation from an informal caregiver. Home care patients' nutritional status, including all related aspects, such as shopping, food preparation, eating, and digestion, must be evaluated regularly and comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although low folate status is thought to be fairly common in the older population, its implication on immunity has not been adequately investigated. Using 11-month-old and 23-month-old male rats (Fisher 344), the present study was undertaken to examine the modifying effects of feeding a control diet (NIH-07) supplemented with folate (35.7 mg/kg) for 3 weeks on the immune cells of spleen and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) origin. The serum concentrations of folate along with vitamin B12 were elevated in response to the folate supplementation (P<.05). These results were accompanied by an improved proliferative response (stimulation index) to mitogens in both the spleen and MLNs (P<.05). The proportion of T cells in the MLNs, but not in the spleen, was significantly increased in rats fed a diet supplemented with folate. In the spleen, the folate-supplemented diet prevented the age-associated decrease (P<.05) in the production of interferon (IFN)α by unstimulated cells and the decrease in T-helper (Th)1/Th2-type response after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin. In the MLNs, on the other hand, the folate-supplemented diet failed to influence any age-related increase in interleukin (IL)-2, tumor necrosis factor α and IFNγ following stimulation but did result in a significantly increased production of IL-4 (P<.05). Overall, this study provides data suggesting that aging is associated with changes in the proportion of T cells, the ability of immune cells to proliferate and the production of cytokines after stimulation. Supplementing a folate-sufficient diet with additional folate improves proliferative response to mitogens, the distribution of T cells in the MLNs and the age-related changes in cytokine production in the spleen. These results suggest that the dietary folate requirement may be higher in the older population than in the younger population to support immune functions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ObjectiveTo summarise the literature on energy requirements and aging.DesignAn analysis and review of published data on components of energy expenditure and total energy expenditure (TEE).SettingData on basal metabolic rate (BMR) and TEE were obtained from the US Institute of Medicine of the National Academies database (all available data from studies published before 2001, collected from 20 researchers willing to provide individual subject results).SubjectsThose individuals from the database who were 20–100 years of age.ResultsTEE and physical activity level (PAL, defined as the ratio of total to resting energy expenditure) declined progressively throughout adult life in both normal weight and overweight men and women. In normal weight individuals (defined as body mass index (BMI) 18.5–25.0 kg m-2) TEE fell by ≈150 kcal per decade, and PAL fell from an average of 1.75 in the second decade of life to 1.28 in the ninth decade. Thermic effect of feeding data from other published studies indicated no consistent change associated with aging.ConclusionsAging is associated with progressive declines in resting and TEE, which have implications for defining dietary energy requirements at different stages of adult life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examines race differences in the association of sociodemographic and health-related characteristics with change in food sufficiency status over 1 year in homebound older adults. Method: Using sociodemographic and health-related data collected during two in-home assessments as part of the North Carolina Nutrition and Function Study, logistic regression models (binary and nominal outcomes) adjusted for covariates and examined the characteristics associated with 1-year change in risk (RFI) and presence (FI) of food insufficiency among a random sample of 268 home-delivered meals participants. Results: Not having enough money for food and having to prepare cheaper and smaller meals was associated with increased RFI and FI at 1 year; having to borrow money for food, loss of food stamps, and inadequate income increased the odds among Whites, and increased medication use among Blacks. Discussion: The findings suggest that race, independent of other characteristics, is associated with diminished food sufficiency over 1 year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effect of proinflammatory cytokines, their receptors, and nutritional indicators (at baseline and after 12 weeks of megestrol acetate (MA) treatment) upon long-term survival in geriatric cachectic patients without active acute infections, inflammation, or cancer.Randomized clinical trial with placebo or MA treatment for 12 weeks and then follow-up for more than 4 years.Veterans Affairs nursing home in Northport, New York.Nursing home patients with weight loss of 5% of usual body weight over the previous 3 months or body weight 20% below ideal body weight.Random assignment of placebo or MA oral suspension 800 mg/d to the eligible patients for 12 weeks.White blood cell counts, prealbumin, plasma cytokine levels (or their receptors), including tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR), soluble subunits (TNFR-p55 and TNFR-p75), interleukin (IL)-6, soluble IL-2 receptor, and C-reactive protein at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment.There was no difference in survival between the MA and placebo groups. Considering possible confounders, initial IL-6, initial TNFR-p75 levels, and final neutrophil percentage were associated with elevated mortality, whereas higher initial prealbumin, initial albumin, final prealbumin, final albumin, and final weight gain were associated with decreased death.In geriatric weight-loss patients with cachexia, certain cytokines and nutritional indicators were effective in predicting long-term mortality, regardless of treatment with MA. Interventions to modify levels of these cytokines or their receptors and improvement in nutritional status by weight gain might be helpful in ameliorating undetected chronic inflammation and thus might prolong the survival of these nursing home residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum homocysteine increases with age and is also considered a marker for low serum vitamin B12 and folate. Furthermore, raised serum total homocysteine has been associated with atrophic changes in the brain. An association between serum vitamin B12/folate and cognitive impairment would be of considerable public health importance in view of the increasing numbers of elderly people. To systematically review published studies on the relationship between serum vitamin B12, folate and total homocysteine and cognitive function in the elderly. A systematic review was undertaken of published evidence in English, examining the association between low serum vitamin B12/folate and raised total homocysteine with cognitive impairment (as indicated by low scores on neuropsychological testing) in subjects aged over 60 years. Sixteen electronic databases and cited articles were searched. Of 383 potential articles, six fulfilled the eligibility criteria: three case control and three cohort studies were identified. ‘The Cochrane Non-Randomized Studies Methods Group’ guidelines were used for assessment and extraction of data from these studies. All three case control studies found that serum total homocysteine was significantly higher in cases when compared with controls, and there was wide variation for both serum vitamin B12 and folate in both groups of participants. The relationship of serum folate and vitamin B12 status with cognitive impairment was heterogeneous and one case control study reported decreasing cognitive scores with increasing serum vitamin B12. In the cohort studies, although serum total homocysteine could predict the rate of decline in neuropsychological testing, the overall odds ratio/relative risk (RR) of developing cognitive impairment in relation to levels of serum B12 and serum folate were not significant. Although one study reported a significant RR of developing Alzheimer's disease when both serum folate and B12 levels were low. One cohort study reported an increased prevalence of Alzheimer's type dementia in subjects who had normal serum vitamin B12 at baseline. Serum total homocysteine is negatively correlated with neuropsychological tests scores. But the evidence does not support a correlation between serum vitamin B12 or folate and cognitive impairment in people aged over 60 years. Hence, there is little evidence to justify treating cognitive impairment with vitamin B12 or folate supplementation. This is consistent with the findings from recent systematic reviews of randomized double-blind trials, which have not found any evidence of potential benefit of vitamin supplementation. Further research is required in order to establish whether raised serum total homocysteine is a cause or consequence of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have examined the efficacy of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in the prevention of age-related chronic disease, such as age-related cataract. We examined whether adherence to the Guidelines was associated with a lower prevalence of age-related nuclear lens opacities in women. Eye exams were conducted in 479 Nurses' Health Study participants aged 52 to 73 y without previously diagnosed cataract or diabetes living in the Boston, MA area. Four FFQs, collected during a 9- to 11-y period before evaluation of lens status, were used to define diet quality according to the following: 1) daily number of servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; 2) Recommended Foods Score (RFS); and 3) Healthy Eating Index (HEI). Nuclear opacities were defined as scores >/= 2.5 using the Lens Opacification Classification System III. After adjusting for age, smoking, and other risk factors, women in the highest quartile category of HEI scores were significantly less likely to have nuclear opacities than those in the lowest category [odds ratio (OR) = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.26-0.84]. This association appeared to be stronger among nonusers of supplemental vitamin C (OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.10-0.52). Decreased prevalence odds of nuclear opacities were also observed with high intake of fruit (OR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.32-1.05) and whole grains (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.36-1.15). These results suggest that overall compliance with the Dietary Guidelines, as measured by the HEI, protects against nuclear opacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the protective activity of soy isoflavones on neurons, the effects of isoflavones on cholinergic enzyme activity, immunoreactivities of cholinergic enzyme, and delayed matching-to-place (DMP) performance were measured in normal elderly rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 48; 10 mo old) were assigned to 3 groups: CD (control diet), ISO 0.3 (0.3 g/kg soy isoflavones diet), and ISO 1.2 (1.2 g/kg soy isoflavones diet). After 16 wk of consuming these diets, choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) activity in the ISO 0.3 group was greater in cortex and basal forebrain (BF; P < 0.05) than in controls. In BF, ChAT activity was also significantly greater in the ISO 1.2 group than in control rats. Acetylcholine esterase (ACHE) activity in the ISO 0.3 group was significantly inhibited in cortex, BF, and hippocampus and in the ISO 1.2 group in cortex and hippocampus. Choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity (ChAT-IR) in the ISO 1.2 group was significantly greater than in controls in the medial septum area. ChAT-IR in the ISO 0.3 and ISO 1.2 groups was significantly higher than in the CD group in the hippocampus CA1 area. Spatial DMP performance by the ISO 0.3 group showed significantly shorter swimming time than by the CD group. These findings show that soy isoflavones can influence the brain cholinergic system and reduce age-related neuron loss and cognition decline in male rats. J. Nutr. 134: 1827–1831, 2004. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age can alter energy balance by decreasing the resting metabolic rate. Food restriction can also change energy balance by decreasing energy expenditure as a mechanism of energy conservation. We investigated the influence of food restriction on the energy balance of rats at different ages. Wistar EPM-1 female rats were used at ages of 3, 9, 15 and 21 months. At each age, two food intake schedules were provided: control ( ad libitum) and food restriction (50%). Animals remained under these schedules for 30 days, and throughout this period body weight, food intake, and stool collection were controlled daily. On the 30th day, animals were killed, blood was collected and the carcasses and faeces were processed for analysis by pump calorimetry. Blood glucose, T3, T4 and rT3 levels were determined. Food restriction reduced energy gain and gross food efficiency of animals at different ages, but more so in older animals. Food-restricted rats also had lower energy expenditure than controls. This reduction was about 40% of the energy expenditure of control animals irrespective of age. Water content increased and fat content decreased in the carcass of food-restricted animals. Serum T3 and T4 levels were lower in food-restricted animals pointing out to a major role of thyroid hormones in the mechanism of energy conservation exhibited by food-restricted animals. The mechanism of energy conservation takes place in all restricted animals and is very important for survival and for species preservation, mainly in aged animals in which food restriction is frequently aggravated by senescence-related organic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the content on aging in dietetics curricula via the Internet and a follow-up questionnaire. Only 14% to 15% of programs were not online. The 203 undergraduate and 88 graduate program Web sites listed 44 (22%) undergraduate and 39 (44%) graduate courses in aging. However, more maternal and child courses were listed. The number of undergraduate aging courses was similar to the 20% reported in 1989, although methodologies differed among the studies. Life cycle and community nutrition courses had the most aging content. More than half of program directors were not satisfied with the aging curriculum content. Integrating aging material into existing courses was the most acceptable way of increasing aging content. The common barriers were “curriculum already full” and “lack of faculty expertise.” As the nation’s changing demographics are reshaping the dietetics marketplace, a greater emphasis on aging would enable students to be more effective in serving this booming population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. To assess the effects of delirium on the institutionalization rate, taking into account geriatric syndromes and nutritional status. Methods. This population-based study took place in an acute care unit and included participants older than 75 years, arriving from home and later discharged. Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) symptoms were recorded by the nurses within 24 hours after admission and every 3 days. Delirium was defined using the CAM algorithm, and subsyndromal delirium responded to symptoms not fulfilling the CAM algorithm. These delirium categories were either present at admission (prevalent) or occurred during the hospital stay (incident). Participants were classified as having a low dietary intake when energy intake was at any time lower than 600 kcal/d. Age, sex, known cognitive impairment, weight, functional dependency, and laboratory testing as well as diagnoses were also recorded. Step-by-step backward logistic regression was used to identify predictors of institutionalization. Results. Among 427 patients, 310 (72.6%) were discharged and were compared with 117 (27.4%) participants admitted to an institution. Female sex (odds ratio [OR]: OR 2.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: CI 1.22-3.78), prevalent delirium (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.33-7.64), subsyndromal delirium (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.48-5.01), incident subsyndromal delirium (OR 4,27, 95% CI 2.17-8.39), low dietary intake (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.35-4.63), and a fall (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.22-3.84) or a diagnosis of stroke (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.04-3.94) were independent predictors of institutionalization. Conclusions. Symptoms of delirium and severe nutritional impairment led patients to geriatric institutions. Therefore, these institutions need to implement policies that address both of these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing is a complex, tightly regulated process, consisting of three distinct phases. In each phase of wound healing, energy and macronutrients are required. Moreover, animal studies have established a specific role for certain nutrients such as the amino acid arginine, the vitamins A, B, and C, and the elements selenium, manganese, zinc, and copper. Chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers have extensively been investigated as to the risk of development, prevention, and cure. Here, the combination of old age, malnutrition, and pressure ulcers is highly unfortunate. Energy and nutrients, such as proteins and vitamins B and C, being deficient at old age are needed in pressure ulcer healing. Malnutrition is associated with skin anergy and with immobility because of mental apathy and muscle wasting. Severe malnutrition, impaired oral intake, and the risk of pressure ulcer formation appear to be interrelated. Adequate nutrition may reverse the underfed state unless an underlying wasting disease was present and appeared to reduce the prevalence and incidence in cross-sectional and prospective observational studies. However, attempts to prevent pressure ulcers by nutritional intervention were divergent in outcome, reflecting the difficulties to meet the daily requirements in elderly persons and the lack of knowledge about true nutritional needs in wound healing. The consumption of a diet high in protein and energy may promote pressure ulcer healing. When considering nutritional support, oral supplementation should be weighted against tube feeding, as the associated morbidity of tube feeding, i.e., diarrhea, fecal incontinence, and restricted mobility being in themselves risk factors for pressure ulcers, might obscure the favorable effects of adequate nutrition. Despite the evidence in animal studies, none of the above-mentioned specific nutrients promoted the healing of pressure ulcers in humans. Therefore, the attention should be focused on early recognition of a... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores the link between collagen, aging and nutrition in humans. Nutritional factors of aging; Effect of nutritional factors on collagen; Relationship between collagen and aging.

Background. Although nutrition parameters have been linked to quality of life (QOL), few studies have determined if nutritional risk predicts changes in QOL over time in older adults. Methods. 367 frail older adults were recruited from 23 service agencies in the community. Baseline interview included nutritional risk as measured by SCREEN (Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition), as well as a wide variety of covariates. Participants were contacted every 3 months for 18 months to determine QOL as measured by three questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a general whole-life satisfaction question, and a general change in QOL question. "Good physical health days" from the BRFSS wits the focus of bivariate and multivariate analyses, adjusting for influential covariates. Results. Seniors with high nutritional risk had fewer good physical health days and whole-life satisfaction at each follow-up point compared with those at low risk. In general, participants reported decreases in general QOL from baseline, with those in the moderate nutritional risk category most likely to report this change. Nutritional risk predicted change in good physical health days over time. Other important covariates include: gender, number of health conditions, perceived health, and age. Conclusions. Nutritional risk is an independent predictor of change in health-related QOL. The results also indicate a relationship between nutrition and the more holistic view of QOL. Evaluation studies of interventions for older adults need to include QOL measures as potential outcomes to further demonstrate the benefits of good nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pilot study of adults ages 65 and older admitted to an acute care setting was conducted to compare nutritional risk as measured by hospital dieticians with two Nutrition Screening Initiative tools, the DETERMINE Your Nutritional Health Checklist and the Level I Screen, and to elicit from patients their own perceptions of nutritional health. Ten community-living older adults were interviewed. Although all 10 were at nutritional risk as measured by both hospital assessment and nutritional risk screening tools, none of these patients believed themselves to be at risk. One conclusion of this pilot is that interventions and education need to be tailored to the perceptions of targeted individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High plasma homocysteine (hcy) concentrations may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Folic acid supplementation reduces plasma hcy, however no studies used fortified foods and nutrition education to promote a sustained diet change. The effects of nutrition education and fortified cereal consumption on plasma hcy were studied in 41 men ≥ 58 years old. Subjects randomized into the experimental group (n=21) received super-fortified ready-to-eat cereal (400 μg folic acid) for 8 weeks, and nutrition education based on the Social Cognitive Theory. Control group subjects (n=20) received general nutrition education only. Folate intake at baseline was similar to recommended levels (436±204 μg/day). Experimental subjects increased folic acid intake, and serum folate was significantly higher at follow up. Plasma hcy did not differ significantly over time between groups. Subjects with moderate hcy concentrations who are already eating fortified foods regularly may not benefit from consuming folate above recommended levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To investigate whether nutritional factors and possible risk factors for cataract influence the lens optical density (LOD). Design: Three hundred seventy-six subjects, aged 18 to 75 years, were recruited. In a cross-sectional design, serum was analyzed for lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, α-tocopherol, and cholesterol levels. Adipose tissue (n = 187) was analyzed for lutein level. The LOD and the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) were measured by spectral fundus reflectance. Results: The mean±SD LOD at 420 nm was 0.52±0.17. It showed a significant association with age (β=.008, P<001) and MPOD (β=-.096, P=.02). For subjects 50 years and younger (mean±SD LOD, 0.45±0.11), we found only a single significant β coefficient, for age (β = .006, P<.001). For subjects older than 50 years (mean±SD LOD, 0.68 ± 0.16), we found significant β coefficients for age (β = .011, P<.001) and MPOD (β = -.240, P=.005). Controlling for age, we found no associations between LOD and other possible risk factors for age-related cataract or serum or adipose tissue concentrations of carotenoids, vitamin C, and α-tocopherol. Conclusions: Macular pigment is composed of lutein and zeaxanthin, the only carotenoids found in human lenses. The inverse relationship between LOD and MPOD suggests that lutein and zeaxanthin may retard aging of the lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nursing home residents may be offered food and drinks with a high content of added sugars to increase their energy intake. Objective: To analyse the influence of "empty calories" on the nutrient density, energy intake and body mass index of elderly Danish nursing home residents. Design: The nutrient intake of 104 residents aged 83 (80-85) years was assessed using 4 day dietary records. Results: Twenty-seven (26%) residents had an intake of added sugars <10E%, 41 (39%) between 10 and 20E%, and 36 (35%) ≥20E%. A significant decrease in nutrient density for dietary fibre, vitamins A, D, E, thiamine, B[sub 6], folate and B[sub 12], and the minerals iron, zinc and iodine was observed as sugar concentration rose across the three groups. A negative relation was found between high levels of added sugars and intake of energy (p <0.05). Conclusions: A high intake of added sugars may adversely influence the intake of essential nutrients, and should be restricted in the diet of elderly nursing home residents, and be replaced by food and drinks with a high content of energy and micronutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two hundred seventy-five non-institutionalized senior citizen volunteers participated in this study that evaluated the impact of rural senior service centers on emotional and practical issues affecting elder consumers. Responses of participating seniors were compared to a similar group of seniors who did not participate. The findings indicated that there were significant differences between the two groups on issues of loneliness, nutrition, and overall quality of life. Findings have strong implications for activity specialists in the field of gerontology. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

OBJECTIVES: To assess the complex interaction of apolipoprotein (apo) E polymorphisms and environmental factors on lipoprotein profile in centenarians. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. SETTING: Tokyo metropolitan area. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-five centenarians and 73 healthy older volunteers (mean age 63.1 ± 10.0) living in the Tokyo metropolitan area. MEASUREMENTS: Plasma lipids and lipoproteins, cholesteryl ester transfer protein mass, apo E phenotype, body mass index, nutritional indices (serum albumin, prealbumin, transferrin), dietary intake, inflammation markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6)), activities of daily living, and cognitive function. RESULTS: In comparison with older people, the centenarians had low concentrations of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and a relative predominance of high-density lipoprotein 2 cholesterol. No environmental factor, except the number of apo E ε2 alleles, was a significant determinant of LDL-C and apo B, suggesting that the low apo B–containing lipoprotein in centenarians may be attributable to a genetic cause. Centenarians had elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which seem to be an unfavorable lipoprotein profile. Lower levels of HDL-C in the centenarians were associated with decreased serum albumin, elevated CRP and IL-6 levels, and cognitive impairment, suggesting that HDL-C could be a sensitive marker for frailty and comorbidity in the oldest old. CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of apo B–containing lipoproteins attributable to a genetic cause may be advantageous for longevity. Lipoprotein profiles in centenarians were consistently related to the subjects' nutritional status, inflammation markers, and apo E polymorphisms. The results provide evidence for the importance of maintaining nutritional status in the very old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Editorial. Addresses age-related changes in nutrition and physical activity and their effect on the quality of life. Effects of increasing life expectancy; Impact of aging on total energy expenditure; Comparison of the resting energy expenditure between older adults and sedentary older adults; Components of effective exercise programs.

Autophagy is a process that sequesters and degrades organelles and macromolecular constituents of cytoplasm for cellular restructuring and repair and as a source of nutrients for metabolic use in early starvation. The effects of two antiaging dietary regimens (initiated in rats at the age of 2 months), namely, 40% dietary restriction (DR) and every-other-day ad-libitum feeding, that exhibited different effects on metabolism and similar effects on longevity on the age-related changes in the regulation of autophagic proteolysis were studied by monitoring the rate of valine release in the incubation medium from isolated liver cells of male albino Sprague-Dawley rats aged 2, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 27 months. (The liver cells were incubated in vitro with added amino acids and 10(-7) M insulin or glucagon.) Age-matched male albino Sprague-Dawley rats fed ad libitum served as a control. Results show that in ad-libitum-fed rats, after a transient increase by age 6 months, autophagic proteolysis and regulation by amino acid exhibit a dramatic age-related decline, and that the age-related changes are prevented by dietary antiaging intervention. A comparison shows that the protective effects of DR and every-other-day ad-libitum feeding are partially different in 24-month-old rats (but the beneficial effects of the two diets on regulation of autophagic proteolysis are always similar). With regard to endocrine regulation, results confirm that the liver cell response to glucagon (but not to insulin) declines with increasing age, and they show that antiaging DRs significantly improve the effects of glucagon (and have no effect on the response to insulin). The interactions of age by diet, glucagon (and in older rats, insulin), and amino acids are significant. It is concluded that DR significantly improves the susceptibility of liver cells to lysosomal degradation, and it prevents decline with increasing age. It is suggested that improved liver autophagy and lysosomal degradation might be part of the antiaging mechanisms of DR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shows that the chronic food restriction (FR)-enhanced adrenal response of total corticosterone (B) to adrenocorticotropic hormone disappears with age. Testing of the hypothesis that the diurnal elevation of free B is sustained in FR rats throughout life; Determination of the basis for age-related loss of the FR enhancement of total B; Link of the FR state to moderate hyperadrenocorticism that persists through the adult life span.

Comments on the limitations of the model proposed by Shanley and Kirkwood (2000), which attempted to explain data on caloric restriction in the context of the Disposable Soma theory for the evolution of senescence. Discussion on caloric restriction and life extension; Description of the Shanley-Kirkwood model; Shortcomings of the Shanley-Kirkwood model.

Analyzes the heterogeneity in aging and the implication of nutrition as an essential factor. Diversity of aging trajectories; Influence of nutrition in improving the quality of life of older people; Sarcopenia in old age; Loss of neurocognitive function; Importance of B vitamins in cognitive function; Dietary antioxidants; Disorders of glucose metabolism.

Comments on the effect of caloric restriction (CR) on the aging of rhesus monkeys according to the transcriptional profile of skeletal muscle. Capacity of CR in preventing or delaying most of the age-related transcriptional alterations in the gastrocnemius muscle; Effects of aging and adult-onset CR on the gene expression profile.

Background: Metabolic alterations in skeletal muscle associated with malnutrition and the potential reversibility of such alterations during refeeding are not fully understood. Objective: We characterized early changes in muscle during refeeding in malnourished, hospitalized elderly subjects. Design: Muscle function, metabolism, and mass were evaluated in 24 clinically stable patients (11 were malnourished) by using isokinetic plantar flexor torque measurements and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging for medial gastrocnemius mass assessment and 31P and 13C NMR spectroscopy for inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphocreatine, and glycogen quantitation. Results: Malnourished subjects had lower muscle mass (P < 0.02) and tended to have lower strength than did control subjects. In malnourished subjects, muscle strength increased after refeeding (P < 0.01) whereas muscle mass was unchanged. The ratio of Pi to ATP was lower in malnourished than in control subjects (P < 0.001) and increased during refeeding (P < 0.01). The mean ratio of phosphocreatine to ATP was lower in malnourished than in control subjects (P < 0.01) and increased to control values after refeeding. Muscle glycogen showed a scattered distribution for malnourished subjects; the mean value did not differ significantly from that of control subjects, either at baseline or after refeeding. Conclusions: The lower ratio of phosphocreatine to ATP in malnourished subjects could have resulted from either lower total muscle creatine or reduced oxidative capacities. High or normal glycogen associated with a low Pi-to-ATP ratio in malnourished subjects suggested preferential use of lipid over carbohydrate for energy supply, which is known to reduce muscle performance. The data suggest that normalization of muscle metabolite content after refeeding improves muscle strength in malnourished subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have suggested a short-term impairment in the regulation of food intake in older adults, but further studies are needed to determine if a longer-term impairment exists and to identify underlying causes. Changes in body weight and composition were measured over a 6-week underfeeding study and a 6-month follow-up period in healthy young (n = 23) and older (OLD, n = 18) men and women. The young adults were either normal weight (YNW, n = 12) or overweight (YOW, n = 11). Energy intakes during underfeeding were 896 +/- 18 (SEM) kcal less than weight-maintenance energy requirements determined prior to underfeeding. In addition, changes in perceived hunger during underfeeding were monitored in a subgroup (n = 19). OLD and YOW subjects lost significantly more weight during underfeeding than did YNW subjects (p = .025 and .000, respectively), and they did not gain back significant weight in the 6-month follow-up. In addition, OLD subjects reported a significantly lower frequency of hunger during underfeeding (p = .05). There was no significant difference among groups in the relationship between weight lost and fat-free mass lost. Healthy OLD adults have an impaired ability to regulate food intake over at least 6 months following underfeeding compared with YNW adults, and a reduction in their perceived frequency of hunger may be a contributing factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined interventions aimed at achieving desirable dietary habits and other lifestyle practices to reduce premature mortality in the elderly. Nutrition-related health problems with aging; Nature of dietary studies; Recommendations and conclusions.

Presents information on a study which examined the role of diet, physical activities and other lifestyle factors in the management of debilitating conditions in the elderly. Relationship between undernutrition and chronic diseases; Interaction between dietary intake and physical activity; Conclusion.

Background: Chromium is an essential nutrient required for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Chromium supplementation in humans has been reported to improve glucose metabolism and improve serum lipid parameters and to reduce body fat; parameters that worsen with aging. As a result, chromium picolinate has been widely promoted as a health aid for the general population. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of chromium supplementation on insulin sensitivity, serum lipids, and body composition in nonobese, healthy men and women of advanced age.Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 19 subjects (9 men and 10 women), aged 63-77, were given either chromium picolinate, 1,000 microg/d, or a placebo for 8 weeks. Serum lipids were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. Insulin sensitivity and body composition were measured with the minimal-model intravenous glucose tolerance test and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan, respectively, at baseline and after 8 weeks of chromium or placebo supplementation.Results: No significant change in serum lipids, insulin sensitivity, or body composition was observed in the chromium group compared with the placebo group.Conclusions: Chromium picolinate supplementation alone does not appear to improve insulin sensitivity, serum lipids, or change body composition in nonobese, healthy men and women of advanced age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which examined the energy intake of elderly people in Europe in relation to the adequacy of micronutrient intake. Decrease in food and energy intake associated with aging; Subjects and methods; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Although both vitamin A (VA) deficiency and aging are independently associated with alterations in immune function, the effects of marginal VA status or VA supplementation on the immune system during aging were not studied. A long-term dietary study was conducted in a rat model of aging to quantify changes in T-cell populations in blood and spleen, including T-cells bearing a marker of natural killer (NKT) cells. The study included nine treatment groups [three levels of dietary VA: marginal (0.35 RE/kg diet), control (4.0 RE/kg diet), and supplemented (50 RE/kg diet); and three age groups: young (2-3 mo), middle-aged (8-10 mo), and old 20-22 mo); diets were fed continuously from weaning to the end of the study period. CD3(+)/CD4(+) T-cells decreased in percentage and number in blood with age, CD8(+) cells increased (%), and the CD4/CD8 ratio decreased. Conversely, aging was associated with increased NKT cells (phenotype CD3(intermediate)/NKR-P1(+)). Based on regression analysis of flow cytometry data, the phenotype of most NKT cells was CD3(intermediate)/NKR-P1(+)/CD28(-). NKT cells, which are most likely of extrathymic origin, accounted for most of the decrease in the CD4/CD8 ratio. Marginal VA status, particularly in older rats, was associated with increases in the percentage of CD8(+) T cells, percentage and number of NKT cells, and peripheral blood cell anti-CD3epsilon-stimulated proliferative response, and decreases in the CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio and splenic cell interleukin-2 production. These differences and the reciprocal changes observed for NKT cells vs. T- and classical NK cells in aging VA-marginal rats suggest that low VA status during aging may increase the risk of infectious or neoplastic diseases that require a normal balance of T-cell or NK-cell responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited knowledge about the nutritional and cognitive status in elderly and chronically ill subjects living in sheltered housing.Objective: To perform a 6-month follow-up study in order to investigate (1) nutritional status and its relationship to cognitive function in elderly people living in service flats, and (2) the effect of a 9-hour educational program given to personnel working in the service flats.Methods: Of 93 eligible subjects, 28 agreed to participate (age 81 +/- 7 years, 75% women). Body mass index (BMI), triceps skin fold (TSF), arm muscle circumference (AMC), appetite, Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), serum albumin, serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and Mini Mental Test (MMT) were assessed on two occasions with a 6-month interval. The staff of the service flats answered a questionnaire before and 6 months after an educational program.Results: At the start, BMI, TSF and AMC were within the normal ranges, e.g. BMI 26.6 +/- 3.1 for men and 25.6 +/- 3.2 for women. Three subjects were suspected to be malnourished and 2 were malnourished according to SGA. Among 20 randomly selected subjects who chose not to participate in the investigation, age, sex, BMI, weight loss and appetite were not significantly different from those values in participants. However, none of the latter had a BMI <20 compared to 10% in non-participants. The MMT results suggested cognitive dysfunction in 41% of the subjects. On the first test occasion, MMT correlated with BMI (r = 0.43, p < 0.03), weight loss (r = 0.4, p < 0.05) and age (r = -0.38, p < 0.05). The ability of the personnel to suggest suitable nutrition for fictitious patient cases appeared to have improved after the educational program. At the 6-month follow-up, the BMI in men rose to 27.0 +/- 3.4 (p < 0. 05), while other anthropometric measurements remained unchanged. Serum IGF-1 lay within the normal range, as did serum albumin which, however, rose from 39.1 +/- 2.9 to 41.2 +/- 3.5 g/l (p < 0.01).Conclusion: Fifteen to twenty percent of the individuals studied in the service flats displayed definite or possible signs of malnutrition. Cognitive function correlated with BMI, weight loss and age. The educational program appeared to increase the nutritional knowledge in personnel working in the service flats. At the 6-month follow-up, the nutritional status of the residents had not deteriorated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determines the demographic characteristics of cobalamin deficiency in the elderly. Role of cobalamin deficiency on the development of hyperhomocysteinemia; High prevalence of low cobalamin found in the study population.

Presents a study which investigated whether rates of ageing in later life was attributed by early growth factors. Background data on the links between poor early growth and degenerative and cardiovascular diseases; Examination of the long-term effects of poor early nutrition on ageing; Methods employed to conduct this anlysis; Conclusions drawn on the basis of results.

Presents the results of a study that was designed to evaluate whether participation in a congregate-site meal program will influence the nutritional status of a group of healthy elderly people. How the study was conducted using participants and nonparticipants, 60 to 89 years old; Results of a multifactorial anaylsis of variance which was used to determine differences in nutrient intake data and biochemical indexes between groups.

Presents the results of a study that was conducted to determine the link between salt taste perceptions and preferences and sodium intakes as a function of age and gender. How the age-related deficits in taste and smell are thought to affect food preference; How the study was conducted among 24 young adults and 24 healthy older adults in Michigan; Findings that support that older subjects preferred less salty foods.

Discusses issues concerning the health and nutrition of slaves. Age factors in the health and nutrition of slaves; Implications of the growth-by-age profile of slaves.