Association of Zinc Intake With Risk of Impaired Physical Function and Frailty Among Older Adults

Abstract

Background Zinc could be a target nutrient in the prevention of physical impairment and frailty in older adults due to its anti-inflammatory/antioxidant properties. However, prospective studies evaluating this inquiry are scarce. Thus, we aimed to assess the association between zinc intake and impaired lower-extremity function (ILEF) and frailty among community-dwelling older adults. Methods We examined 2,963 adults aged ≥60 years from the Seniors-ENRICA cohort. At baseline (2008–2010) and subsequent follow-up (2012), zinc intake (mg/d) was estimated with a validated computerized face-to-face diet history and adjusted for total energy intake. From 2012 to 2017, the occurrence of ILEF was ascertained with the Short Physical Performance Battery, and of frailty according to the Fried phenotype criteria. Analyses were conducted using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for relevant confounders, including lifestyle, comorbidity, and dietary factors. Results During follow-up, we identified 515 incident cases of ILEF and 241 of frailty. Compared to participants in the lowest tertile of zinc intake (3.99–8.36 mg/d), those in the highest tertile (9.51–21.2 mg/d) had a lower risk of ILEF [fully-adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.75 (0.58–0.97); p for trend: 0.03] and of frailty [0.63 (0.44–0.92); p for trend: 0.02]. No differences in the association were seen by strata of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Conclusions Higher zinc intake was prospectively associated with a lower risk of ILEF and frailty among older adults, suggesting that adequate zinc intake, that can be achieved through a healthy diet, may help preserve physical function and reduce the progression to frailty.

The role of zinc on nutritional status, sarcopenia, and frailty in older adults: a scoping review

“…Most research designs (n = 32) 17 , 19 , 21–31 , 33–36 , 38–41 , 46–50 , 54–57 , 59 , 63 were cross-sectional, 9 studies were longitudinal, 18 , 20 , 32 , 37 , 42 , 51 , 60–62 and follow-up ranged from 8 months 18 to up to approximately 9 years. 42 Four studies used a case-control research design. 16 , 43 , 52 , 64 All of these studies were observational.…”

“…In most studies, the target populations were community-dwelling older adults (n = 33). 17 , 18 , 20–25 , 27 , 29 , 31–33 , 35–40 , 42–46 , 49 , 50 , 53 , 55–57 , 60 , 62 , 63 Institutionalized older adults participated in 9 studies. 16 , 19 , 28 , 30 , 34 , 48 , 54 , 59 , 61 Three studies used both community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults as their study population.…”

The role of nutrition in the prevention of sarcopenia

“…The limited evidence from younger adults includes follow-up of the Tasmanian Older Adult Cohort study, in which higher intakes of magnesium, phosphorous, and zinc at baseline (mean age 62 7 y) were positively associated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-assessed appendicular lean mass over 2.6 y, although there were no associations with muscle (leg) strength [ 117 ]. Data published more recently from the Seniors-ENRICA cohort indicate the beneficial effects of higher intakes of zinc, magnesium, and potassium for functional outcomes [ [118] , [119] , [120] ], whereas the potential importance of low calcium intakes as a determinant of muscle loss over 10 y was reported in a prospective study of Korean females (aged >50 y) [ 121 ]. Clearly, there are many gaps in this evidence and further data are needed.…”

Improving Cognitive Function with Nutritional Supplements in Aging: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Clinical Studies Investigating the Effects of Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants, and Other Dietary Supplements

“…Zinc, essential for growth, development, and immune system function [213], is beneficial for the nervous system and may help prevent depression due to its tranquilizing properties. However, zinc deficiency can lead to a decline in cognitive functions and memory [214,215].…”