Nutritional determinants of mobility

Abstract

Purpose of review-In many countries, persons over 65 is one of the fastest growing segment of the population. Mobility disability is one of the major risk factors for morbidity and mortality in this age group. There is increasing evidence that improved nutrition can reduce the risk of developing disability in older age. This review summarizes the recent literature showing the associations between different nutrients and mobility-related outcomes in older adults.Recent findings-Recent studies suggested an association between low intake and low serum concentrations of micronutrients, such as antioxidants and vitamins, with measures of physical performance, muscle strength and disability in older adults.Summary-The role of low micronutrients as cross-sectional and longitudinal correlates of mobility disability is consistent with a growing number of studies showing that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, such as the Mediterranean diet, has a beneficial role in healthy aging.

Work-related stress in midlife is associated with higher number of mobility limitation in older age—results from the FLAME study

“…The association between midlife obesity and old age mobility limitations, mainly due to joint degeneration and pain, is well acknowledged (Vincent et al 2010). Also, dietary factors may mediate the association, since stress may be associated with an unhealthier diet (Ng and Jeffery 2003), which is a risk factor for mobility limitations (Milaneschi et al 2010). Although we adjusted the analyses for several chronic conditions and lifestyle factors, we cannot completely rule out the possibility that other unfavorable lifestyle factors not measured in this study, including other aspects of socioeconomic status, dietary factors, or others, may partly explain the association.…”

Malnutrition in Older Adults - Urgent Need for Action: A Plea for Improving the Nutritional Situation of Older Adults

“…A lack of specific nutrients due to low intake as well as low serum levels have been found to be associated with decreased muscle strength, poor physical performance and disability. The anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anabolic properties of specific nutrients are considered to mediate this relationship [17,18]. Similarly, due to the role of certain nutrients in brain metabolism and integrity, a lack of these also contributes to cognitive decline; weight loss is also well documented as a common early indicator and attendant symptom of dementia [19,20].…”

Connections between nutritional status and proton pump inhibitor therapy in patients scheduled for cardiovascular rehabilitation after treatment for ischaemic and valvular heart disease

“…Poor nutritional status is connected with inappropriate nutritional intake, decreased absorption, increased metabolic demands during acute illness, or major invasive treatment, and is frequently found in hospitalised patients [1]. Even more important is the fact that increased nutritional risk is significantly correlated with clinical endpoints such as rate of hospitalisations, duration of hospital stay, prevalence of hospital treatment complications or infections, decreased quality of life, as well as increased mortality [2,3].…”