Serum micronutrients levels and clinical features of elderly asthmatics

Abstract

Purpose:The prevalence of asthma in the elderly is rapidly increasing. However, we do not fully understand the pathogenesis of elderly asthma, especially for the roles of micronutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between serum levels of micronutrients, including several vitamins and minerals, and clinical features of the elderly asthmatics. Methods: A total of 317 asthmatics aged 65 or older were enrolled. Serum levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, Mg, and Se were measured and then the associations between serum micronutrient levels and clinical features of elderly asthmatics were evaluated. Results: Positive correlations with significance among serum levels of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folate were found. Serum micronutrients levels showed no difference according to the atopic status and symptom severity. The serum folate level was significantly associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and serum vitamin B12 and folate levels were significantly associated with serum total IgE level. Interestingly, elderly asthmatics with exacerbation history showed significantly lower serum levels of vitamin D and Mg, but significantly higher serum levels of Se. Conclusion: Serum levels of micronutrients, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, Mg, folate, and Se, were significantly associated with some clinical features of elderly asthmatics. Clinical meanings of these associations need to be investigated further. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2017;5:223-227)

Association between Serum Folic Acid Levels and Asthma in the Korean Population: A Study Based on the 2016–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

“…These differences in outcomes could be based on racial or sociological characteristics or caused by research errors; therefore, further research is required. In another Korean study, folic acid levels were not significantly different between groups with and without a history of acute asthma exacerbation in patients above the age of 65 years [ 15 ].…”

Serum magnesium levels and its correlation with level of control in patients with asthma: A hospital-based, cross-sectional, prospective study

“…[ 18 19 ] Majority of the recent studies emphasize the fact that hypomagnesemia is prevalent in asthma. [ 8 9 10 11 ] Hence, accepting that hypomagnesemia is prevalent in asthma, in this study, we aimed to evaluate serum Mg levels and its relation to asthma control. As per the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines, asthma is divided into well controlled, partly controlled, and uncontrolled, based on a questionnaire related to symptoms.…”

“…[ 5 6 7 ] There are several studies on serum Mg levels in asthma patients which show that hypomagnesemia is commonly seen in asthmatics. [ 8 9 10 11 ] However, there are no studies that correlate the asthma symptom control and serum Mg level. We aimed at estimating the serum Mg levels and asthma control.…”

Multifaceted interventions to reduce acute exacerbations in elderly asthmatics

“…Inadequate nutrition is prevalent in the elderly due to tooth loss, impaired digestive function, multiple comorbidities and medications, decreased physical activity, and low income [ 16 ]. Previously, we have published data on serum micronutrient levels and the clinical characteristics of elderly study participants with asthma, and showed that lower serum magnesium levels were significantly related to a history of asthma exacerbation [ 4 ]. Similarly, one study has reported that lower serum magnesium correlated with more severe asthma, and that magnesium deficiency caused increased bronchial hypersensitivity and airway muscle contraction [ 17 ].…”

“…Previously, we evaluated the risk factors to predict asthma exacerbation in elderly people with asthma and our results indicated that a state of depression, low cognitive function, poor proficiency in using inhaler devices, poor medication adherence, and a previous history of asthma exacerbations at baseline were important risk factors [ 3 ]. In addition, the absence of a caregiver and a micronutrient deficiency (magnesium and vitamin D) were also found to be risk factors for asthma exacerbations in elderly with asthma [ 4 ]. On the basis of these results, we designed multifaceted interventions to improve risk factors for asthma exacerbation, and aimed to examine their effects on asthma outcomes in the elderly with asthma.…”