Characterization of Portuguese Centenarian Eating Habits, Nutritional Biomarkers, and Cardiovascular Risk: A Case Control Study

Abstract

Background and Aims Eating habits may contribute to longevity. We characterized the eating habits and cardiovascular risk (CVR) biomarkers in Portuguese centenarians (CENT) compared to controls. Methods and Results Centenarians (n = 253), 100.26 ± 1.98 years, were compared with 268 controls (67.51 ± 3.25), low (LCR) and high (HCR) CVR (QRISK®2-2016). Anthropometric and body composition were evaluated by bioimpedance. Abdominal obesity, BMI, and fat mass (FM) cut-offs were according to the WHO. Sarcopenia was defined by muscle mass index cut-off ≤ 16.7 kg/m2. Daily red meat intake, adjusted for age and gender, was sarcopenia protective (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.096–0.670, P = 0.006); however, it contributes for FM excess (OR = 4.946, 95% CI = 1.471–16.626, P = 0.01), overweight, and obesity (OR = 4.804, 95% CI = 1.666–13.851, P = 0.004). This centenarian eating habit (2%) contrasts to HCR (64.3%). The history of red meat (P < 0.0001) and canned/industrialized food intakes (P < 0.0001) was associated with HCR. Basal metabolism was lower in centenarians versus LCR/HCR (CENT = 1176.78 ± 201.98; LCR = 1356.54 ± 170.65; HCR = 1561.33 ± 267.85; P < 0.0001), BMI (CENT = 21.06 ± 3.68; LCR = 28.49 ± 4.69; HCR = 29.56 ± 5.26; P < 0.0001), waist circumference (CENT = 85.29 ± 10.83; LCR = 96.02 ± 11.71; HCR = 104.50 ± 11.84; P < 0.0001), and waist-hip ratio (CENT = 0.88 ± 0.07; LCR = 0.92 ± 0.08; HCR = 1.01 ± 0.08; P < 0.0001). CENT had lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and cholesterol/HDL ratio than controls. Conclusions Frequent consumption of red meat, cholesterol, and heme iron rich may contribute to obesity and increased CVR. The low frequency of this consumption, observed in centenarians, although associated with sarcopenia, may be one of the keys to longevity.

Association of the Healthy Eating Index with Estimated Cardiovascular Age in Adults from the KNHANES 2013–2017

“…These results were consistent with previous studies [ 15 , 16 ]. What this study adds is that appropriate meal management could also be an additional factor to increase the age-gap, which in turn could lower the risk of CVD and related mortality [ 17 , 18 ].…”

Impact on Longevity of Genetic Cardiovascular Risk and Lifestyle including Red Meat Consumption

“…Individuals in the centenarian group had lower total cholesterol, LDL-c, non-HDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol/HDL-c ratio [35]. LDL-c and non-HDL are atherogenic factors.…”

“…In relation to the cholesterol/HDL-c ratio, one of the CVR parameters, the centenarians had a better profile in particular when compared with the subjects in the high-risk subgroup of the control group [35]. In addition, centenarian individuals showed a significantly lower LDL mean value relative to the control group [35]. These aspects may be associated with their longevity success, and eating habits underlie this profile.…”

“…Non-HDL cholesterol includes triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, remaining TG-rich lipoproteins enriched with cholesteryl esters and also lipoprotein (a), and has a high CV risk predictive value [48]. In relation to the cholesterol/HDL-c ratio, one of the CVR parameters, the centenarians had a better profile in particular when compared with the subjects in the high-risk subgroup of the control group [35]. In addition, centenarian individuals showed a significantly lower LDL mean value relative to the control group [35].…”

“…Food consumption data were collected by applying a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, based on a validated FFQ for a Portuguese population [35]. Regular consumption of red meat was considered weekly consumption and up to three times a day.…”