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ABSTRACT: It is presently unclear whether there is a significant association between thyroid function and cognitive decline in euthyroid elderly. This case-control study aimed to examine serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine, free thyroxine, total triiodothyronine, and free triiodothyronine in relation to cognitive decline over a 3-year period in a subsample of 62 participants (31 pairs) aged 67 years and over at baseline from the NuAge study (Quebec longitudinal study). They were matched for age, sex and global cognition. In conditional regression logistic models, there was no significant association between any thyroid function indices and the 3-year risk of cognitive decline as measured with the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS). TSH and thyroid hormones do not appear to be associated with cognitive decline in euthyroid older persons. These findings need confirmation given the small number of pairs of subjects.
Psychoneuroendocrinology 03/2013; · 5.81 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Assessment of long-term phylloquinone exposure is challenging in studies investigating vitamin K in health. Data are equivocal as to whether a single measurement of circulating phylloquinone would be adequate. The primary purpose of the present study was to validate the use of a single measurement of serum phylloquinone as a surrogate for long-term phylloquinone exposure in healthy older adults. Using data from the Québec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging, the objectives were to: 1) determine the reproducibility of circulating phylloquinone over 2 y (n = 234); 2) calculate how a single measurement would rank or classify individuals and attenuate the regression coefficient between circulating phylloquinone and a health outcome; and 3) investigate the association of a single measurement of serum phylloquinone with long-term phylloquinone intakes assessed over the year prior to the blood draw (n = 228). The variance analysis based on 2 blood samples showed a fair to good reproducibility for serum phylloquinone (intra-class correlation = 0.49). The correlation coefficient between the ranking of individuals based on a single measurement of circulating phylloquinone and the "true" ranking would be 0.70. The multiple regression analysis showed that long-term phylloquinone intake was the strongest predictor of serum phylloquinone (t = 4.94; P < 0.001). The partial correlation coefficient (r = 0.32) was comparable with those reported in studies where blood sampling and diet recording were juxtaposed and/or multiple blood samples were used. The present study provides evidence that the use of a single measurement of circulating phylloquinone is adequate for assessing long-term phylloquinone exposure in healthy older adults.
Journal of Nutrition 08/2012; 142(10):1910-6. · 3.92 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A healthy diet may prevent cognitive decline either directly, or by decreasing risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases associated with cognitive decline. This study examined the relationships between diet quality (DQ) and cognition for over 3 years among 1488 older adults (52.6% female) from the NuAge study, aged 67 to 84 years at recruitment.
Cognition was assessed at four annual visits using the modified mini-mental status examination (3MS); rate of cognitive decline was computed for each participant over the 3 years of follow-up using mixed model analyses and the individual-specific number of months between 3MS assessments. Dietary data were collected at recruitment using a validated 78-item, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). DQ was characterized as the Canadian Healthy Eating Index (C-HEI), a 9-component global DQ index (maximum score=100) computed from the FFQ output. Other variables were collected by questionnaire or direct measurement. Multivariate analyses were carried out to assess the association of DQ controlled for confounders on cognition.
Total C-HEI was better in females (78.7±9.1 vs 75.7±9.4, p<.0001) as were C-HEI component subscores. Males, the less educated, smokers, those with poor social engagement, symptoms of depression, a higher waist:hip ratio and who reported financial insecurity had a poor quality diet that could contribute to chronic diseases associated with cognition. Along with functional autonomy, most of these variables emerged as covariates of baseline 3MS and predictors of cognitive decline. While certain C-HEI subscores and total C-HEI were positive univariate correlates of 3MS at recruitment, total DQ was not associated with cognition in multivariate analyses, either at baseline or over 3 years of follow-up.
DQ was not independently associated with cognition. However, the study demonstrates relationships between diet quality and risk factors for chronic diseases associated with cognition. Consequently, older adults might benefit from a healthy diet to decrease risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases established as risk factors for cognitive decline. Further work in diverse older populations, use of dietary data collected earlier in life, finer cognitive measures and longer follow-up are necessary to better elucidate relationships between diet quality, chronic diseases and cognition.
Experimental gerontology 02/2012; 47(5):353-60. · 3.34 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Many older adults experience age-related changes that can have negative consequences for food intake. Some older adults continue to eat well despite these challenges showing dietary resilience. We aimed to describe the strategies used by older adults to overcome dietary obstacles and to explore the key themes of dietary resilience. The sample was drawn from the five-year Québec Longitudinal Study "NuAge". It included 30 participants (80% female) aged 73-87 years; 10 with decreased diet quality and 20 with steady or increased diet quality; all had faced key barriers to eating well. Semi-structured interviews explored how age-related changes affected participants' experiences with eating. Thematic analysis revealed strategies used to overcome eating, shopping, and meal preparation difficulties. Key themes of dietary resilience were: prioritizing eating well, doing whatever it takes to keep eating well, being able to do it yourself, getting help when you need it. Implications for health professionals are discussed.
Appetite 12/2011; 58(2):730-8. · 2.59 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study examines the association between sodium intake and its interaction with physical activity on cognitive function over 3 years in older adults residing in Québec, Canada. We analyzed a subgroup from the NuAge cohort (aged 67-84 years) with nutrient intake data, including sodium, from a food frequency questionnaire administered at baseline. Baseline physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE; high-low). Modified Mini Mental State Examination (3MS) was administered at baseline and annually for 3 additional years. Controlling for age, sex, education, waist circumference, diabetes, and dietary intakes, analyses showed an association between sodium intake and cognitive change over time in the low PASE group only. Specifically, in the low PASE group, elders in the low sodium intake tertile displayed better cognitive performance over time (mean decline in 3MS over years: mean [M] = -0.57, standard error [SE] = 0.002) compared with the highest (M = -1.72, SE = 0.01) and mid sodium intake (M = -2.07, SE = 0.01) groups. This finding may have significant public health implications, emphasizing the importance of addressing multiple lifestyle factors rather than a single domain effect on brain health.
Neurobiology of aging 08/2011; 33(4):829.e21-8. · 5.94 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: There is a growing interest in the role of vitamin K in health, especially in aging populations. Knowledge of inter- and intra-individual variability of dietary vitamin K intake could be useful to accurately assess usual intake and rank participants in epidemiological studies. Our objectives were to: 1) estimate the variance components of vitamin K intake; 2) investigate whether day of the week, season, and energy intake are factors related to intra-individual variance; and 3) calculate the requisite number of days to achieve desired degrees of accuracy for estimating individual vitamin K intake, ranking individuals and estimating regression coefficient. Vitamin K intake was assessed in 939 older adults (67-84 y) enrolled in the Québec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging study using 2 sets of 3 nonconsecutive multiple-pass 24-h dietary recalls (24HR) collected 6 mo apart. Each set included 2 weekdays and one weekend day. Intra- to inter-individual variance ratios for vitamin K intake were 3.2 (95% CI = 2.6-3.9) overall, 2.6 (95% CI = 2.1-3.5) for men, and 3.7 (95% CI = 2.9-5.0) for women. Day of the week (weekdays) and season (May to October) were positively and significantly associated with vitamin K intake but explained a negligible part of intra-individual variation (<1%). Adjusting for energy intake explained <7% of variance and did not affect the variance ratio. Six to 13 24HR are required to properly rank individuals according to their usual vitamin K intake and limit attenuation of the regression coefficient. These results should be considered in studies planning to assess vitamin K intakes in older adults.
Journal of Nutrition 02/2011; 141(2):341-6. · 3.92 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Weight change in older adults affects physical function (PF). However, data suggest that, conversely, PF may be a determinant of weight change. Our objective was to assess the role of baseline PF as a predictor of 2-year weight loss (WL) and weight gain (WG) ≥ 5% among healthy well-functioning community-dwelling older adults.
The NuAge cohort (67-84 years) was classified into three groups according to the percent weight change over a 2-year follow-up: weight stable (weight change ≤ 2%; n = 629), WL ≥ 5% (n = 189), and WG ≥ 5% (n = 111). A summary measure of baseline PF was computed (sum of biceps, quadriceps, and grip strength, timed up and go, chair stand, normal and maximal gait speed, and balance performance scores [individual test score range = 0-4]; PF score range = 0-32). Multivariable logistic regression models separately assessed the relationships between baseline PF and 2-year WL and WG ≥ 5%.
Baseline PF was worse in both the WL (p < .001) and the WG (p = .001) groups compared with the weight stable group. In models adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, energy intake, depressive symptoms, and other significantly associated covariates, each 1-unit increase in standard deviation of PF was associated with decreased risk of either 2-year WL (odds ratio = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.63-0.99, p = .043) or WG (odds ratio = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.55-0.99, p = .041).
Low baseline PF was an independent common predictor of 2-year WL and WG ≥ 5% in the healthy well-functioning community-dwelling elderly population. Whether PF is an early cause or marker of weight change in this population remains to be determined.
The Journals of Gerontology Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 12/2010; 65(12):1362-8. · 4.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Decline of physical function with age is associated with substantial health consequences. Physical and psychological functioning is linked, but the temporal nature of this association remains unclear.
Three-year follow-up data from men and women (n = 1,741), aged 68-82 years, in the longitudinal study on nutrition and successful aging (NuAge; Québec, Canada) were used. Growth curve modeling was performed to examine trajectories of a global physical performance score across time as conditioned by cognition and depression.
Significant decline in physical function was observed (p < .0001). Rate of decline in physical performance score was accelerated in the older participants (>77 years; age(2): p < .01) but not affected by slight decline in cognition or depression. Yet, people with lower cognition level and more depressive symptoms show lower physical capacity throughout the entire follow-up period (p < .0001).
Physical function significantly declined over 3 years, in particular in the oldest group. A subtle decline in psychological health paralleled decline in physical function but did not accelerate it.
The Journals of Gerontology Series B Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 12/2010; 66 Suppl 1:i82-90. · 2.62 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Population level data on how older individuals living at high latitudes achieve optimal vitamin D status are not fully explored. Our objective was to examine the intake of vitamin D among healthy older individuals with 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations > or =75 nmol/L and to describe current sources of dietary vitamin D. We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study of 404 healthy men and women aged 69 to 83 y randomly selected from the NuAge longitudinal study in Québec, Canada. Dietary intakes were assessed by 6 24-h recalls. We examined the contribution of foods and vitamin/mineral supplements to vitamin D intake. Serum 25(OH)D was assessed by RIA. We assessed smoking status, season of 25(OH)D measurement, physical activity, and anthropometric and sociodemographic variables. Vitamin D status was distributed as follows: 7% (<37.5 nmol/L), 48% (37.5-74.9 nmol/L), and 45% (> or = 75 nmol/L). Vitamin D intake from supplements varied across the 3 vitamin D status groups: 0.5, 4.1, and 8.9 microg/d, respectively (P < 0.0001). Adding food sources, these total intakes were 4.6, 8.7, and 14.1 microg/d, respectively. In multivariate analysis, vitamin D from foods and supplements and by season was associated with vitamin D status. These healthy, community-dwelling older men and women with 25(OH)D concentrations >75 nmol/L had mean intakes of 14.1 microg/d from food and supplements. Supplement use is an important contributor to achieve a minimal target of 25(OH)D concentration > or = 75 nmol/L.
Journal of Nutrition 03/2010; 140(3):551-6. · 3.92 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To assess vitamin D status in relation to age, sex, season, adiposity, physical activity level, and supplement use in healthy elderly Canadians living in Québec.
Cross-sectional survey.
Data for 405 healthy free-living elderly Quebécers aged between 68 and 82 years with no major health problems were examined.
Men and women in age groups of 68-72, 73-77, and 78-82 years, in 2 seasons, participating in the NuAge cohort. Measurements: serum 25(OH)D assessed by radioimmunoassay (RIA), weight, height, smoking status, disease status, education, perception of income, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) questionnaire, and vitamin D supplement consumption.
The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <37.5 nmol/L) was 12.6% and 5.7% for men in winter and summer, and 8.7% and 1.9% for women, respectively. Over 50% of the participants had 25(OH)D concentrations <75 nmol/L. Correlates of vitamin D status by multiple regression analysis indicated that the vitamin D level in summer was 13.8 nmol/L higher for participants measured in winter and 17.2 nmol/L higher for those using supplements. Age, sex, body mass index, and physical activity were not associated with 25(OH)D concentration.
Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is low in healthy elderly men and women, especially in summer, but over 50% of the participants had suboptimal vitamin D concentrations. Vitamin D supplement consumption increased 25(OH)D concentrations substantially, particularly in the winter months, and should be encouraged.
Journal of the American College of Nutrition 02/2010; 29(1):25-30. · 2.29 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Depressive symptoms and poor nutritional status have been associated with declines in physical capacity. However, it is not clear whether they exert independent effects and potential for interaction among these two variables has not been studied. The purpose of this report is to clarify the relationships between depressive symptoms and nutritional risk and physical capacity.
Baseline data from community-living and well functioning men and women (n = 1,755) participating in the longitudinal study NuAge (Quebec, Canada), aged 67-84 years were used for this study. Physical performance (PP) was defined as the summary score of 4 tests of physical capacity [Standing Balance, Walking Speed, Chair Stands, and Timed "Up &Go"]. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and nutritional risk by the Elderly Nutrition Screening (ENS(c)) tool.
Prevalence of mild depression (GDS score >or=11 and <or= 20) was 12% in women and 7.6% in men (p = 0.002). Higher PP was observed among subjects without nutritional risk or mild depression (mean score: 10.45 +/- 3.45) as compared to those with both risk factors (8.66 +/- 3.59; p < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, both depressive symptoms and nutritional risk scores were independently associated with PP score after adjustment for age, sex, educational level, income, burden of disease, body mass index and physical activity. There was no interaction of nutritional risk and depressive symptoms in relation to PP. The overall adjusted multiple regression model explained 34% of the observed variance in physical performance score.
Nutritional risk and depressive symptoms are both potentially modifiable independent correlates of PP but there is no synergistic effect of the two risk factors.
Journal of the American College of Nutrition 08/2008; 27(4):492-8. · 2.29 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To assess the efficacy of a screening tool to be used by nurses to determine which economically disadvantaged pregnant women are most likely to benefit from a dietitian's intensive intervention.
The 26-variable screening tool was used by 53 nurses in 17 Montreal primary care facilities at first contact with 300 subjects who were eligible for prenatal programs for low-income women. Among these, 259 subjects were subsequently interviewed by a Montreal Diet Dispensary (MDD) dietitian using the Higgins Method, established as the gold standard for the detection of a nutritionally at-risk pregnancy. Comparisons of the results obtained by dietitians using the Higgins Method with scores obtained by nurses using the screening tool to determine risk levels and individual variables were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and predictive indices such as sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values.
Because of low agreement between the findings of MDD dietitians and nurses using the screening tool, 10 variables were excluded. The resulting 16-variable tool showed a correlation coefficient of 0.70. The ROC cut-off for this simplified tool was 8, meaning that a woman would be considered at nutritional risk if her score was 8 or more. This score optimized sensitivity (85%) with rather low specificity (50%), but retained a positive predictive value of 87% and a negative predictive value of 55%.
Revisions of the screening tool to identify nutritionally at-risk pregnant women led to the development of a simplified screening tool with an acceptable measure of nutritional risk in pregnancy. Hence, the use of this tool by any health professional will identify the majority of the nutritionally at-risk pregnant women most likely to benefit from a dietitian's intensive intervention.
Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada: JOGC = Journal d'obstetrique et gynecologie du Canada: JOGC 02/2008; 30(1):29-37.
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Pierrette Gaudreau,
José A Morais,
Bryna Shatenstein,
Katherine Gray-Donald,
Abdel Khalil,
Isabelle Dionne,
Guylaine Ferland,
Tamàs Fülöp,
Danielle Jacques,
Marie-Jeanne Kergoat,
Daniel Tessier,
Richard Wagner, Hélène Payette
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ABSTRACT: Optimal nutrition is essential for general well being, maintenance of physical and functional capacities and prevention of chronic disease in the elderly. The 5-year longitudinal study, NuAge, was designed to assess the pivotal role of nutrition on physical and cognitive status, functional autonomy and social functioning. A cohort of 1793 men and women, selected from three age groups (68-72, 73-77, 78-82) at recruitment, has been followed annually since 2003-2004. A plurimethodological approach, including basic, clinical, epidemiologic, and social research has been used. Data on various facets of nutritional status (diet, food habits, appetite, anthropometry and body composition), and functional (muscle strength, physical activity, physical and functional capacities and performance), medical (physical, mental and cognitive health, medication) and social data (network, support, participation) are collected by questionnaires or direct measurements. Blood, urine, and saliva samples are also collected and processed for genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and biochemical analyses and to study markers of endocrine, immune, and cognitive functions. Selected bio-psycho-social characteristics of the cohort, consumption of macronutrients, and biologic variables are presented, including the impact of intake of certain foods on total antioxidant status. Understanding the aging process as regulated by a modifiable factor such as nutrition should facilitate the development of targeted strategies for promoting successful aging.
Rejuvenation Research 10/2007; 10(3):377-86. · 3.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Nutrition screening and early intervention in home-bound older adults are key to preventing unfavourable health outcomes and functional decline. This pilot study's objectives were (a) to test the reliability of the Elderly Nutrition Screening Tool (ENS) when administered by dietician-trained and supervised nutrition volunteers, and (b) to explore the feasibility of volunteers' doing nutrition screening and intervention for home-bound older adults receiving home care services. Both participating clients ( n = 29) and volunteers ( n = 15) were community-dwelling older adults. Volunteers met with participating clients, assessed nutritional risk with the ENS, provided nutritional education, and developed and helped implement intervention plans. To assess ENS (c) inter-rater reliability, we compared results obtained by nutrition volunteers and a dietician. Agreement was high (> or =80%) for most items but was higher among volunteers than between volunteers and the dietician. We conclude that nutrition volunteers can assist in screening and educating older adults regarding nutritional risks, but intervention is best left to professionals.
Canadian journal on aging = La revue canadienne du vieillissement 02/2007; 26(4):305-15. · 0.92 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of HDL with aging and to investigate the implication of PON1 in this process. The study involved 54 healthy subjects distributed in two age groups, young (20-25 years) and elderly (65-85 years). Lipid peroxidation was induced by *OH and O2*- oxygen free radicals produced by gamma-radiolysis of water. LDL oxidation was followed by the measurement of conjugated diene (CD), lipid peroxide (LP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. PON1 was purified separately from young (Y-PON1) and elderly subjects (E-PON1). PON1 activity and structure was followed by measurement of PON1 paraoxonase (p.ase) activity, titration of the SH groups, and electrophoretic mobility by SDS-PAGE. Our results show a significant decrease in the HDL antioxidant activity: percentage of protection against CD formation=27.70% (p<0.01) for E-HDL versus 73.08% (p<0.001) for Y-HDL. Moreover, E-PON1 showed a lower antioxidant activity when compared to Y-PON1 47.08% versus 78.14%, respectively (p<0.0001). Exposition of PON1 to *OH and O2*- oxygen free radicals induced a significant decrease in PON1 p.ase activity as well as a reduction in the number of PON1's free sulfhydryl groups. Moreover, our results show a close association between PON1's free sulfhydryl groups and its capacity to protect LDL against lipid peroxidation. There was a significant decrease in the number of free sulfhydryls between Y-PON1 and E-PON1 with respect to cysteine-284 amino acid residues (p<0.0092).
Atherosclerosis 03/2006; 185(1):191-200. · 3.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: National guidelines for managing diabetes set standards for care. We sought to determine whether a 1-year intensive multitherapy program resulted in greater goal attainment than usual care among patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus.
We identified patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes receiving outpatient care in the community or at our hospital. Patients 30-70 years of age with a hemoglobin A1c concentration of 8% or greater were randomly assigned to receive intensive multitherapy (n = 36) or usual care (n = 36).
The average hemoglobin A1c concentration at entry was 9.1% (standard deviation [SD] 1%) in the intensive therapy group and 9.3% (SD 1%) in the usual therapy group. By 12 months, a higher proportion of patients in the intensive therapy group than in the control group had achieved Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) goals for hemoglobin A(1c) concentrations (goal < or = 7.0%: 35% v. 8%), diastolic blood pressure (goal < 80 mm Hg: 64% v. 37%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (goal < 2.5 mmol/L: 53% v. 20%) and triglyceride levels (goal < 1.5 mmol/L: 44% v. 14%). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in attaining the targets for fasting plasma glucose levels, systolic blood pressure or total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. None of the patients reached all CDA treatment goals. By 18 months, differences in goal attainment were no longer evident between the 2 groups, except for LDL-C levels. Quality of life, as measured by a specific questionnaire, increased in both groups, with a greater increase in the intensive therapy group (13% [SD 10%] v. 6% [SD 13%], p < 0.003).
Intensive multitherapy for patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes is successful in helping patients meet most of the goals set by a national diabetes association. However, 6 months after intensive therapy stopped and patients returned to usual care, the benefits had vanished.
Canadian Medical Association Journal 12/2005; 173(12):1457-66. · 8.22 Impact Factor
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Hélène Payette
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ABSTRACT: With the aging of the Canadian population, functional autonomy and quality of life among seniors are now important public health issues. We hypothesized that nutrition is an important determinant of the quality of aging because of its potential to modulate the transitions from vulnerability to frailty and dependence. Over the past 15 years, our research program addressed the prevalence, the determinants, and the consequences of undernutrition among seniors, especially the free-living frail elderly. Very low energy and nutrient intakes were observed as well as a high prevalence of involuntary weight loss. These chronic conditions were associated with early institutionalization and increased mortality rates. Intervention strategies were then developed and evaluated, including the Nutrition Screening Program and the Nutrition Support Program. The effectiveness of these programs was shown with respect to improvement of nutritional status. However, this improvement was not sufficient to produce significant changes in functional autonomy or quality of life. Methodological issues related to the conduct of intervention studies in this specific population were addressed. A conceptual framework of nutritional intervention is currently being validated. A large longitudinal study that is being undertaken will further contribute to our understanding of the aging process as determined by a modifiable factor such as nutrition.
Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 12/2005; 83(11):1061-70. · 1.95 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study compared the changes in some bio-psychosocial variables (functional independence, nutritional risk, pain, balance and walking, grip strength, general well-being, psychiatric profile, perception of social support, leisure satisfaction, and caregivers' feeling of burden) in four categories of clients during their program at a geriatric day hospital (GDH). The study also evaluated whether or not improvements, if any, were maintained 3 months after discharge. One-hundred-and-fifty-one people, categorized by primary reason for admission, were assessed at the GDH with reliable and valid tools, at admission and at discharge. Three months after discharge, they were reassessed with the same tools. Overall, two categories of clients, stroke / neurological diseases and musculoskeletal disorders / amputations, improved the most. For the gait disorders and falls group, only the functional independence score improved, but not at a clinically significant level. Finally, clients in the cognitive function disorders / psychopathologies group improved the most on their well-being scores and caregivers' burden decreased the most. All gains were maintained up to 3 months after discharge, except for leisure satisfaction. With the exception of clients who attended the GDH because of gait disorders and falls, the improvements and maintenance achieved in each category occurred in the domains where improvement had been hoped for, because of the particular disabilities in question and because of the nature of the GDH services offered.
Canadian journal on aging = La revue canadienne du vieillissement 02/2004; 23(3):217-29. · 0.92 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Many "functional foods" (FF), common foods with health benefits beyond their nutritive value, have antioxidant properties with the potential to mediate the degenerative changes of aging. A pilot study was conducted among 51 healthy, home-dwelling elderly people aged 70-86 y (51% male) to develop a method for evaluating relationships between lifelong diet and health. A population-based semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the usual diet. A nonquantitative questionnaire (FF-FFQ) was developed to examine current intake patterns of 33 FF, and at ages 65, 45, 25 and 10 y. Visual and memory cues were employed to help respondents remember past intakes, and their reporting confidence was queried. The instrument was self-administered (among 35%), or administered by a dietitian-interviewer in face-to-face (39%) or telephone (25%) interviews. The FFQ was validated by four dietary recalls statistically adjusted for intraindividual and seasonal variability. The FF-FFQ reliability was assessed in a subsample (n = 20). Mean usual FFQ-derived energy intakes were 7941 +/- 2071 kJ (men) and 7033 +/- 1916 kJ (women). Reported current, regular (several times/mo) FF numbered 18 +/- 4 (men) and 20 +/- 4 (women). These means decreased almost linearly with time; at age 10 y, FF reported were 12 +/- 7 (men) and 15 +/- 4 (women). Men differed from women in their memory of food consumption, food choices and FF intakes. Instrument reliability was good, with 73% identical responses. Food-related memory appears to be linked to dietary knowledge, food preparation experience and availability of foods in the past. The FF-FFQ provides novel data on lifetime FF consumption that may help clarify relationships between diet and health, and the role of diet in aging.
Journal of Nutrition 08/2003; 133(7):2384-91. · 3.92 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Ascorbate and glutathione play central roles in the defense against free radicals and oxidants that are implicated in chronic diseases.
The objective was to determine the ability of vitamin C supplements to modulate the concentration of glutathione in human lymphocytes.
The effect of vitamin C supplements was determined in a sequential study with time points before supplementation, after 13 wk of vitamin C supplements (500 or 1000 mg/d), and after 13 wk of matching placebo. The supplementation group was selected on the basis of low plasma ascorbate (<33 mmol/L) and consisted of 48 healthy men and women, smokers and nonsmokers, aged 25-64 y. Ascorbate and glutathione were measured in purified lymphocytes.
At baseline, the mean (+/-SD) concentration of plasma ascorbate was 19.5 +/- 7.2 micro mol/L, 22.5 micro mol/L below the median of normal distribution. The ascorbate concentration in plasma was linearly associated with that in lymphocytes (r = 0.53, P < 0.001). On supplementation with vitamin C, lymphocyte ascorbate increased by 51% (from 16.7 +/- 4.9 to 25.3 +/- 6.9 nmol/mg protein; P < 0.001) and was accompanied by an increase of lymphocyte glutathione by 18% (from 22.5 +/- 4.5 to 26.6 +/- 6.5 nmol/mg protein; P < 0.001). After placebo, the ascorbate and glutathione concentrations fell to near baseline concentrations (17.1 +/- 5.4 and 23.5 +/- 6.4 nmol/mg protein, respectively). No significant interaction was observed for sex and smoking status. Finally, the changes in lymphocyte ascorbate after supplementation were strongly associated with changes in lymphocyte glutathione (r = 0.71, P < 0.001). The association suggests that every 1-mol change in ascorbate is accompanied by a change of approximately 0.5 mol in glutathione.
Vitamin C supplements increase glutathione in human lymphocytes.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 01/2003; 77(1):189-95. · 6.67 Impact Factor
