Nutrition and Aging

Recent demographic surveys worldwide reveal that the fastest growing segment of the population is the elderly. In fact, twelve percent of the United States is over 65 years of age with the most rapidly growing group being 85 and over.

One of the most drastic factors, which change with age, is nutrition. According to Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, St. Louis Medical Center, aging persons are at a major risk for ingesting less than two-thirds of the RDA
(Recommended Dietary Allowance) for vitamins. Studies show that although some nutrient levels deplete with age, lacks of food consumption mostly leads to vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition. The following table compiled by De. Jeffrey Blumberg, Professor of Nutrition at Tufts University, illustrates the percentage of older adults whose dietary intakes fall significantly below the RDA.

Percentage Consuming Less Nutrient Than the RDA

Vitamin A 41-65%

Vitamin D 62-74%

Vitamin E 69-80%

Vitamin C 23-42%

Vitamin B-6 50-90%

Folate 70-80%

Thiamine 0-47%

Riboflavin 0-36%

Niacin 0-53%

Vitamin B-12 0-39%

The Impact of Antioxidants

Many researchers and physicians have strongly suggested that the RDA should be re-calculated for the most diverse segment of our population and optimally, be revised for different age brackets over 70 years. A study conducted by the Boston University School of Public Health, which surveyed 1156 people over 70 years old, concluded that nutritional policies and multidisciplinary interventions for older adults should take demographic and life style characteristics into consideration. Also, it has been recommended that different RDAs be advised for certain conditions. The Alliance for Aging Research has recommended that the FDA make specific recommendations on how much Vitamin C, Vitamin E and
Beta Carotene should be taken to prevent disease. Their requirements were:

Nutrient Amount per day

Vitamin C 250-1000 mg.

Vitamin E 100-400 IU

Beta Carotene 17-50,000 IU

Cataracts

Research tells us that malnutrition in the aging is closely linked to body decomposition and incidences of disease. Cataract is present in thirty percent of all Americans 75 and over. Worldwide, 50 million people are blind due to cataract and in the United States alone, there are 1.2 million cataract surgeries annually. In fact, approximately twelve percent of the Medicare budget is for cataract treatment. Many research studies show that antioxidants, particularly Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Carotenoids can reduce the risks of cataracts. A recent Canadian study revealed that patients who were non-users of Vitamin E had a 2.5 fold greater risk of cataracts and the non-users of Vitamin C had a four fold greater risk.

Heart Disease

The antioxidants also showed a significant impact on heart disease in a Harvard University Physicians Health Study. The study found male physicians of all ages who took a 50-milligram supplement of beta-carotene had fewer major coronary and vascular events. Also, Vitamin E was tested in a European study and was found to play a major role in combating heart disease too. A Boston based study found elderly adult subjects with higher levels of Vitamin C intake (180+mg./day) had higher HDL levels and lower LDL and blood pressure when compared to subjects with lower intake of the antioxidant.

Brain Activity

Another focus of research in nutrition and aging is the effect on the mind. Two studies were conducted in Ireland and Canada, which linked thiamine deficiency to delirium and dementia. Other recent research explored Vitamin C and found that groups of elderly subjects with low blood levels of the vitamin performed poorly on tests for problem solving and abstract thinking.

The Calcium Link

The study of this nutrient link to osteoporosis is probably the most popular. It has been concluded many times over that decreased Calcium intake and Vitamin D deficiency as well as estrogen deficiency contribute to the deterioration of bones and bone tissue (Osteopenia). A French study found that 800 I.U. of Vitamin D-3 along with 1-2 grams of Calcium reduced hip fractures up to 40%. Another recent study, with 3000 elderly females, showed that the group which received supplements of Calcium and Vitamin D had 30% lower incidents of nonvertebral fractures and a 41% lower hip fracture rate than the group which received placebos. Biokenetics Research Laboratory, Temple University states that Calcium intake should be between 1200 and 1500 mg./day.

Vitamin deficiency and aging is an area of concern, which will continue to grow as rapidly as the population of older Americans increases. Research already has concluded that the root of malnutrition is due to the lack of nutrients is one’s diet as they grow older and consume less food. This has prompted research groups, who focus on nutrition of the elderly, to encourage a specifically designed RDA for people 65 and over. Research has also suggested that illness and disease rather than age itself is what propels the aging process. Continually, health care professionals find that the best way to supplement a diet that does not include enough nutrient-rich food is through vitamin and mineral supplements.

References

Jeffrey A Blumberg, Ph.D., "Recent Advances in Vitamins and Aging," Backgrounder4 n.1 (1194).
J.E. Morley, "Nutrition and the older female: A review, "Journal of the American College of Nutrition,
12 (4): 337-43 (1993 August)

"Vitamins and the Elderly," Vitamin Nutrition Research Newsletter, 1.1 (1994): 1.

Posner and others, eds., "Nutritional risk in New England elders," Journal of Gereontology
49 (3): M123-32 (1994 May), MEDLINE, 94223001.

Fran Kritz, "FDA Urged to Back Antioxidants," Medical Tribune, (1994 March).

G.E. Bunce, "Nutrition and Eye Disease of the Elderly," Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 5: 66-76, (1994 February).

A. Taylor, "Effect of photoxidation on the eye lens and role of nutrients in delaying cataract,"
EXS 62: 266-79, 1992 MEDLINE 93082006.

Paul Knekt et al., "Serum Antioxidant Vitamins and Risk of Cataract," BMJ 305 (6866): 1392-94 (1992 December).

"Calcium for Osteoporosis: Little help, little harm." Family Practice News, (1994 February) 14.

Kendrick and others, "Exercise, Aging and Nutrition." Southern Medical Journal
87(5): s50-60 (1994 May), MEDLINE, 94233436.

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