Nutrition factors in relation to cellular and regulatory immune variables in a free-living elderly population
Article Abstract:
A significant portion of the elderly who do not live in institutions have been observed to be at risk for deficiencies of certain nutrients. Immune functions appear to be affected by deficiencies of specific nutrients such as proteins, or by lack of sufficient calories. Defective immune function in the elderly has been implicated in some of the diseases and infections to which the elderly are susceptible. However, the association between immune function, dietary status, and resistance to disease in the aged has not been well studied. The immune status of 82 free-living elderly persons was evaluated in relation to their nutritional status. For most of the subjects, nutrient intake was above two-thirds the recommended levels, with many having more than adequate intake due to the use of supplements. However, many had inadequate zinc intake, with 19 percent having low blood zinc levels. In addition, study subjects had a somewhat low calorie intake. Two measures of immune function were used, and these were associated with resistance to cancer and regulation of immune response. The first, determination of the cytolytic (cell-destroying) activity of NK (natural killer) cells, a type of white blood cell, was highly variable and not associated with blood levels or intake of any particular nutrient. The second test measured activity of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a protein made by a type of white blood cell, and this was undetectable in 69 percent of subjects. Among those with IL-2 activity, levels were one-third that of young adults. Although not related to blood levels of nutrients, IL-2 activity decreased as intake of vitamin E and D increased in men, and as vitamin E intake increased in women. IL-2 activity was likely to be higher among men than women with the same vitamin D and E intake. Further research is needed to delineate the relationship between nutrition and immune function in the elderly. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9165
Year: 1990
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An evaluation of the relative contributions of exposure to sunlight and of diet to the circulating concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in an elderly nursing home population in Boston
Article Abstract:
Vitamin D is essential for maintenance of a healthy skeleton throughout life. This vitamin is obtained chiefly from vitamin-D fortified foods and by exposure to sunlight, which activates vitamin D formation in the skin. In the United States, fortified milk is the best source of vitamin D, with fish and eggs contributing smaller amounts. Many elderly people have an aversion or intolerance to milk, and thus must obtain most of their vitamin D through exposure to sunlight; older people with hip fractures have been found to be vitamin D-deficient. The vitamin D availability from diet and sunlight for 46 nursing home patients was studied continuously for one year, and an additional 389 elderly people were studied at two times during the year. Subjects were divided into groups based on how much time they spent outdoors. The study found that either exposure to sunlight or vitamin D supplementation provided adequate vitamin D. Freely mobile subjects who could go outside had adequate blood levels of vitamin D, although the levels decreased slightly during the winter months. But without sun exposure or supplementation, vitamin D from foods was inadequate to meet the patients' needs. Based on these findings, vitamin D supplements of 10 micrograms daily are recommended for elderly people who do not spend much time outdoors, such as residents of nursing homes. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9165
Year: 1990
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Dietary modulation of the progression of nephropathy in aging rats: an evaluation of the importance of protein
Article Abstract:
Kidney disease involving hardening of the kidney tubules that filter the blood becomes more severe with age in male rats. Cutting food intake by 40 percent almost totally prevents worsening of the tissue damage. Cutting food intake by 40 percent without restricting protein intake is helpful, but not as much as a diet that cuts both food and protein intake. Thus reduced protein intake is not the main reason why food restriction slows the age-related worsening of kidney disease in rats.
Publication Name: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9165
Year: 1989
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