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Nutrition Interventions for Healthy Ageing

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Geriatric Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2024) | Viewed by 43493

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Research and Innovation, University Hospitals of Martinique, Fort-de-France, F-97200 Martinique, France
Interests: clinical epidemiology; geriatrics; gerontology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Co-Guest Editor
Centre Hospitalier de Valenciennes, Valenciennes, France
Interests: geriatrics; gerontology; clinical epidemiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Poor nutrition status is very common in older adults and is associated with poorer health outcomes. Healthy ageing is therefore a major public health concern, particularly in the context of the global ageing of populations.

There are many strategies for healthy ageing. Nutritional management during the lifecourse is one of the strongest keys to successful ageing. Nutritional interventions can take place to prevent poor health outcomes. Indeed, nutrition is probably of primary importance in older adults in order to avoid consequences of acute or chronic diseases such as infections, longer hospital stays, loss of autonomy, and increased mortality.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an update on nutrition interventions that contribute to successful ageing. Therefore, to contribute to this Special Issue, please feel free to submit review or original articles on the influence of diet, dietary supplements, weight changes, etc., on healthy ageing. This knowledge will help to improve support and prevention strategies for older adults.

Prof. Dr. Moustapha Dramé
Dr. Lidvine Godaert
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nutritional intervention
  • healthy ageing
  • successful ageing
  • lifecourse
  • prevention

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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28 pages, 1232 KiB  
Article
Practicing Interoceptive Sensitivity as a Couple: A Mixed-Methods Acceptance Analysis of a Dyadic vs. Single Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
by Nadja-R. Baer, Noemi Vanessa Grissmer, Liane Schenk, Hanna R. Wortmann, Petra Warschburger and Ulrike A. Gisch
Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1949; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121949 - 19 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1059
Abstract
Training interoceptive sensitivity (IS) might be a first step in effectively promoting intuitive eating (IE). A dyadic interoception-based pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to increase IE among couples aged 50+. The training consisted of three exercises, a Body Scan (BS), a hunger [...] Read more.
Training interoceptive sensitivity (IS) might be a first step in effectively promoting intuitive eating (IE). A dyadic interoception-based pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to increase IE among couples aged 50+. The training consisted of three exercises, a Body Scan (BS), a hunger exercise (HU), and a satiety (SA) exercise. This study explored how spouses accepted the (dyadic vs. single) training. In a mixed-methods convergence design, the findings of a survey (n = 68 couples) and focus groups (n = 4) were synthesized. Moderate general acceptance (e.g., regarding feasibility and low burden) and a hierarchical gradient in favor of the BS (e.g., pleasantness and improved sleep quality) emerged. Barriers concerned a perceived lack of the exercises’ usefulness and a limited understanding of the training purpose. A wish for regular feedback and exchange with the study stuff and other participants was expressed. Spousal training involvement was experienced as being rather beneficial. Previously harmonized dietary practices and daily routines appeared as constructive pre-conditions for the joint training. This study highlights the potential and implications of training couples in IS. Future interventions should involve a regular exchange and closer guidance by study staff to promote a better understanding of the processes and goals of IS and IE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Healthy Ageing)
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15 pages, 1270 KiB  
Article
The Effects of 12 Weeks Colostrum Milk Supplementation on the Expression Levels of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators and Metabolic Changes among Older Adults: Findings from the Biomarkers and Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis
by Theng Choon Ooi, Azizan Ahmad, Nor Fadilah Rajab and Razinah Sharif
Nutrients 2023, 15(14), 3184; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143184 - 18 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 12828
Abstract
Senescence is a normal biological process that is accompanied with a series of deteriorations in physiological function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of bovine colostrum milk supplementation on metabolic changes and the expression of various biomarkers on inflammation, antioxidant and oxidative [...] Read more.
Senescence is a normal biological process that is accompanied with a series of deteriorations in physiological function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of bovine colostrum milk supplementation on metabolic changes and the expression of various biomarkers on inflammation, antioxidant and oxidative damage, nutrient metabolism, and genomic stability among older adults. Older adults (50–69 years old) who participated in the 12-week randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial were instructed to consume the IgCo bovine colostrum-enriched skim milk or regular skim milk (placebo) twice daily. Following 12 weeks of intervention, participants in the intervention group had lower expression levels in pro-inflammatory mediators (CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α), with significant (p < 0.05) interaction effects of the group and time observed. However, no significant interaction effect was observed in the vitamin D, telomerase, 8-OHdG, MDA, and SOD activities. UPLC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that 22 metabolites were upregulated and 11 were downregulated in the intervention group compared to the placebo group. Glycerophospholipid metabolism, along with cysteine and methionine metabolism were identified as the potential metabolic pathways that are associated with bovine colostrum milk consumption. In conclusion, consuming bovine colostrum milk may induce metabolic changes and reduce the expression of various pro-inflammatory mediators, thus improving the immune function in older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Healthy Ageing)
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9 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Correlates of Undernutrition in Older People in Guadeloupe (French West Indies): Results from the KASADS Study
by Nadine Simo-Tabue, Denis Boucaud-Maitre, Laurys Letchimy, Jeff Guilhem-Decleon, Jeannie Helene-Pelage, Guillaume T. Duval and Maturin Tabue-Teguo
Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2950; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132950 - 29 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1581
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the risk factors for undernutrition in community-dwelling older adults in Guadeloupe (Caribbean islands). Methods: We used data from the KArukera Study of Aging-Drugs Storage (KASADS), an observational cross-sectional study of community-dwelling older people living in [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the risk factors for undernutrition in community-dwelling older adults in Guadeloupe (Caribbean islands). Methods: We used data from the KArukera Study of Aging-Drugs Storage (KASADS), an observational cross-sectional study of community-dwelling older people living in Guadeloupe. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used to assess the risk of undernutrition. An MNA-short form (SF) score ≤11 defined the risk of undernutrition. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), frailty was assessed using the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures index (SOF), and dependency was assessed using Lawton’s instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the correlates of undernutrition. Results: The study sample comprised 115 patients aged 65 years or older; 67.8% were women, and the mean age was 76 ± 7.8 years. The prevalence of undernutrition was 21.7% (95% CI = 15.2–30.1%). In our bivariate analysis, the risk of undernutrition was associated with MMSE score, IADL score, frailty, and CES-D score. We found no significant relation between nutrition risk and other variables, such as marital status, pain, or polypharmacy. In the multivariate analysis, the factors associated with the risk of undernutrition were MMSE score (Odd-Ratio (OR): 0.74 (0.58–0.97)) and CES-D score (OR: 1.13 (1.02–1.27)). Conclusions: Cognitive decline and the risk of depression were independently associated with the risk of undernutrition in community-dwelling older people in Guadeloupe. Although we cannot imply causality in this relation, the detection of these three key geriatric syndromes in community-dwelling elders is essential to prevent adverse health outcomes. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Healthy Ageing)
12 pages, 465 KiB  
Article
Hypomagnesemia Is Associated with Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, but Not Insomnia, in Older Adults
by Muhammed Tunc, Pinar Soysal, Ozge Pasin, Lee Smith, Masoud Rahmati, Veliye Yigitalp, Sevnaz Sahin and Moustapha Dramé
Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2467; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112467 - 25 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2708
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate associations between serum magnesium levels with insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in older adults. A total of 938 older outpatients were included in the study. Hypomagnesemia was defined as serum magnesium concentration below <1.6 [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate associations between serum magnesium levels with insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in older adults. A total of 938 older outpatients were included in the study. Hypomagnesemia was defined as serum magnesium concentration below <1.6 mg/dL. Patients were divided into two groups: hypomagnesemia and normomagnesia (1.6–2.6 mg/dL). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was implemented and scores of ≥11 points were categorized as EDS. The Insomnia Severity Index was implemented and scores of ≥8 indicated insomnia. The mean age was 81.1 ± 7.6 years. While the presence of EDS, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease were more common in the hypomagnesemia group than the normomagnesia group, Parkinson’s disease was less common (p < 0.05). Hemoglobin and HDL cholesterol were lower, whereas HbA1c, triglyceride, and number of drugs used were higher in the hypomagnesemia group compared to the normomagnesia group (p < 0.05). In both univariate analysis and multivariate analysis adjusted for gender, age and all confounders, there were significant associations between hypomagnesemia and EDS [odds ratio (OR):1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–2.6, and OR: 1.9; 95%CI: 1.2–3.3, respectively (p < 0.05)]. There was no significant relationship between hypomagnesemia and insomnia (p > 0.05). The present study identified an association between hypomagnesemia and EDS in older adults. Therefore, it may be prudent to consider hypomagnesemia when evaluating older adults with EDS and vice versa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Healthy Ageing)
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12 pages, 1170 KiB  
Article
Brazilian Propolis Intake Decreases Body Fat Mass and Oxidative Stress in Community-Dwelling Elderly Females: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
by Miho Kanazashi, Tadayuki Iida, Ryosuke Nakanishi, Masayuki Tanaka, Hiromi Ikeda, Naomi Takamiya, Noriaki Maeshige, Hiroyo Kondo, Tomohiko Nishigami, Toshihide Harada and Hidemi Fujino
Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020364 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3944
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of Brazilian propolis on body fat mass and levels of adiponectin and reactive oxygen species among community-dwelling elderly females. This was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Altogether, 78 females aged 66–84 years were randomly assigned to [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of Brazilian propolis on body fat mass and levels of adiponectin and reactive oxygen species among community-dwelling elderly females. This was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Altogether, 78 females aged 66–84 years were randomly assigned to the propolis (PRO; n = 39) or placebo (PLA; n = 39) group. For 12 weeks, the PRO group were given three capsules containing 227 mg of propolis twice a day. Meanwhile, the PLA group were given daily placebo capsules. Of 78 participants, 53 (PLA group: n = 28, PRO group: n = 25) completed the study. Although no changes were observed in absolute or relative fat mass in the PLA group, they showed a significant decline in the PRO group. The level of serum adiponectin in the PLA group did not change, although that of the PRO group significantly increased. The level of d-ROMs in the PLA group significantly increased, whereas that of the PRO group significantly decreased. The serum SOD activity in the PLA group significantly decreased, whereas that of the PRO group tended to increase. These results suggest that propolis supplementation may decrease body fat mass and oxidative stress among community-dwelling elderly females. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Healthy Ageing)
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10 pages, 721 KiB  
Article
Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation in Nursing Homes—A Quality Improvement Study
by Charlotte Mortensen, Inge Tetens, Michael Kristensen and Anne Marie Beck
Nutrients 2022, 14(24), 5360; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245360 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2748
Abstract
Even though dietary supplements with vitamin D and calcium are recommended to nursing home residents, we recently reported a low adherence to this recommendation. The objective of this 20-week quality improvement study was to use the Model for Improvement and Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles [...] Read more.
Even though dietary supplements with vitamin D and calcium are recommended to nursing home residents, we recently reported a low adherence to this recommendation. The objective of this 20-week quality improvement study was to use the Model for Improvement and Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to improve adherence in Danish nursing homes. We included two nursing homes with 109 residents at baseline. An information sheet including the rationale for the recommendation was developed for the nurses to urge residents to take the supplements and seek approval by the general practitioner afterwards (PDSA cycle 1). Moreover, it was included in admission meetings with new residents to address supplementation (PDSA cycle 2). A nurse reviewed patient records for number of residents prescribed adequate doses of vitamin D (≥20 µg) and calcium (≥800 mg) before, during and after the intervention. At baseline, 32% (n = 35) of the residents had adequate doses of vitamin D and calcium. After implementation of the information sheet and adjustment to admission meetings, this increased to 65% (n = 71) at endpoint (p < 0.001). In conclusion, in this quality improvement study, we improved the number of prescriptions of adequate doses of vitamin D and calcium over 20 weeks using the Model for Improvement and PDSA experiments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Healthy Ageing)
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9 pages, 972 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of a Dietary Supplementation Combining Protein and a Pomegranate Extract in Older People: A Safety Study
by Valérie Dormal, Barbara Pachikian, Elena Debock, Marine Buchet, Sylvie Copine and Louise Deldicque
Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5182; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235182 - 6 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2383
Abstract
Malnutrition is a highly prevalent condition in older adults. It is associated with low muscle mass and function and increased occurrence of health problems. Maintaining an adequate nutritional status as well as a sufficient nutrient intake in older people is therefore essential to [...] Read more.
Malnutrition is a highly prevalent condition in older adults. It is associated with low muscle mass and function and increased occurrence of health problems. Maintaining an adequate nutritional status as well as a sufficient nutrient intake in older people is therefore essential to address this public health problem. For this purpose, protein supplementation is known to prevent the loss of muscle mass during aging, and the consumption of various pomegranate extracts induces numerous health benefits, mainly through their antioxidant properties. However, to our knowledge, no study has to date investigated the impact of their combination on the level of malnutrition in older people. The objective of this preliminary study was thus to evaluate the safety of a combination of protein and a pomegranate extract in healthy subjects aged 65 years or more during a 21-day supplementation period. Thirty older participants were randomly assigned to receive protein and a pomegranate extract (Test group) or protein and maltodextrin (Control group) during a 21-day intervention period. The primary outcomes were the safety and tolerability of the supplementation defined as the occurrence of adverse events, and additional secondary outcomes included physical examination and hematological and biochemical parameters. No serious adverse events were reported in any group. Changes in physical, hematological, and biochemical parameters between the initial screening and the end of the study were equivalent in both groups, except for glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and prealbumin, for which a decrease was observed only in the Test group. Our initial findings support the safety of the combination of protein and a pomegranate extract in healthy elderly people. Future clinical trials on a larger sample and a longer period are needed to determine the efficacy of this combination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Healthy Ageing)
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Review

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11 pages, 469 KiB  
Review
The Role of One-Carbon Metabolism in Healthy Brain Aging
by Sapna Virdi, Abbey M. McKee, Manogna Nuthi and Nafisa M. Jadavji
Nutrients 2023, 15(18), 3891; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15183891 - 7 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4461
Abstract
Aging results in more health challenges, including neurodegeneration. Healthy aging is possible through nutrition as well as other lifestyle changes. One-carbon (1C) metabolism is a key metabolic network that integrates nutritional signals with several processes in the human body. Dietary supplementation of 1C [...] Read more.
Aging results in more health challenges, including neurodegeneration. Healthy aging is possible through nutrition as well as other lifestyle changes. One-carbon (1C) metabolism is a key metabolic network that integrates nutritional signals with several processes in the human body. Dietary supplementation of 1C components, such as folic acid, vitamin B12, and choline are reported to have beneficial effects on normal and diseased brain function. The aim of this review is to summarize the current clinical studies investigating dietary supplementation of 1C, specifically folic acid, choline, and vitamin B12, and its effects on healthy aging. Preclinical studies using model systems have been included to discuss supplementation mechanisms of action. This article will also discuss future steps to consider for supplementation. Dietary supplementation of folic acid, vitamin B12, or choline has positive effects on normal and diseased brain function. Considerations for dietary supplementation to promote healthy aging include using precision medicine for individualized plans, avoiding over-supplementation, and combining therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Healthy Ageing)
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25 pages, 765 KiB  
Review
Urolithins: A Prospective Alternative against Brain Aging
by Lei An, Qiu Lu, Ke Wang and Yousheng Wang
Nutrients 2023, 15(18), 3884; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15183884 - 6 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4712
Abstract
The impact of host–microbiome interactions on cognitive health and disease has received increasing attention. Microbial-derived metabolites produced in the gut are one of crucial mechanisms of the gut–brain axis interaction, showing attractive perspectives. Urolithins (Uros) are gut microbial-derived metabolites of ellagitannins and ellagic [...] Read more.
The impact of host–microbiome interactions on cognitive health and disease has received increasing attention. Microbial-derived metabolites produced in the gut are one of crucial mechanisms of the gut–brain axis interaction, showing attractive perspectives. Urolithins (Uros) are gut microbial-derived metabolites of ellagitannins and ellagic acid, whose biotransformation varies considerably between individuals and decreases greatly with age. Recently, accumulating evidence has suggested that Uros may have specific advantages in preventing brain aging including favorable blood–brain barrier permeability, selective brain distribution, and increasingly supporting data from preclinical and clinical studies. However, the usability of Uros in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases remains elusive. In this review, we aim to present the comprehensive achievements of Uros in age-related brain dysfunctions and neurodegenerative diseases and discuss their prospects and knowledge gaps as functional food, drugs, or biomarkers against brain aging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Healthy Ageing)
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Other

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15 pages, 620 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Obesity Paradox and Mortality in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
by Moustapha Dramé and Lidvine Godaert
Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1780; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071780 - 6 Apr 2023
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 6163
Abstract
“Obesity paradox” describes the counterintuitive finding that aged overweight and obese people with a particular disease may have better outcomes than their normal weight or underweight counterparts. This systematic review was performed to summarize the publications related to the obesity paradox in older [...] Read more.
“Obesity paradox” describes the counterintuitive finding that aged overweight and obese people with a particular disease may have better outcomes than their normal weight or underweight counterparts. This systematic review was performed to summarize the publications related to the obesity paradox in older adults, to gain an in-depth understanding of this phenomenon. PubMed©, Embase©, and Scopus© were used to perform literature search for all publications up to 20 March 2022. Studies were included if they reported data from older adults on the relation between BMI and mortality. The following article types were excluded from the study: reviews, editorials, correspondence, and case reports and case series. Publication year, study setting, medical condition, study design, sample size, age, and outcome(s) were extracted. This review has been registered with PROSPERO (no. CRD42021289015). Overall, 2226 studies were identified, of which 58 were included in this systematic review. In all, 20 of the 58 studies included in this review did not find any evidence of an obesity paradox. Of these 20 studies, 16 involved patients with no specific medical condition, 1 involved patients with chronic diseases, and 2 involved patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Seven out of the nine studies that looked at short-term mortality found evidence of the obesity paradox. Of the 28 studies that examined longer-term mortality, 15 found evidence of the obesity paradox. In the studies that were conducted in people with a particular medical condition (n = 24), the obesity paradox appeared in 18 cases. Our work supports the existence of an obesity paradox, especially when comorbidities or acute medical problems are present. These findings should help guide strategies for nutritional counselling in older populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Healthy Ageing)
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