Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, Director of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging of the National Institute of Aging in the US discussed how micronutrients in the diet may play an important role in minimizing the negative effects of oxidative stress which ultimately lead to aging and age-related disorders, such as a change in functionality. Prof. Heike Bischoff-Ferrari from the University of Zurich highlighted the direct effect of Vitamin D on muscle strength resulting in fall and fracture reduction. Dr. David Thomas from St Louis University Hospital, Missouri, USA, showed the benefit of oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) in older adults and the malnourished. He showed that ONS has been shown to improve nutritional status with a positive outcome on morbidity and mortality.

Prof. Bischoff-Ferrari discussed a recent meta analysis of double-blind randomized controlled trials published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, where non-vertebral fracture reduction increased with a higher dose of Vitamin D. At the highest received dose (dose*adherence) non-vertebral fracture reduction was significant with 20% at any non-vertebral site and 18% at the hip. This benefit was significant in all sub-groups of the older population (-29% in community dwelling, and -15% in institutions).  Both falls and non-vertebral/hip fractures occur frequently in older adults and lead to substantial morbidity and mortality, as well as additional cost to the healthcare system. It is estimated that beyond the age of 80 years, one of three women and one of six men will have sustained a hip fracture.  The consequences of hip fractures are severe: 50% of older people have permanent functional disabilities, with 15-25% requiring long-term nursing home care, and 10-20% dying within one year. Prof. Bischoff-Ferrari showed data demonstrating that in a population of hip fracture patients, 50% had severe Vitamin D deficiency and less than 5% reached desirable vitamin D levels needed for non-vertebral fracture prevention. Older adults are at high risk of Vitamin D deficiency due to a 4-fold reduction in the ability of the skin to produce Vitamin D, an avoidance of sun exposure, and institutionalization. It was also stressed that the normal diet does not provide adequate Vitamin D.

Prof Heike Bischoff-Ferrari commented: “Vitamin D supplementation also reduced falls in several trials of institutionalized and community dwelling elderly. This additional benefit is important as falls are a great burden to functionality at old age and are the primary cause of hip fractures.”

Widening the focus, Dr. David Thomas highlighted data on the benefits of oral nutritional supplementation when targeted to specific populations such as older adults or the malnourished. Studies have demonstrated that weight loss in older adults is a particular risk factor for mortality. One meta-analysis has shown that supplementation leads to a 26% reduction in relative risk of death in a supplemented group compared to a non-supplemented group of older adult subjects at risk of malnutrition. Dr. Thomas also highlighted data demonstrating that supplementation does not reduce or replace food intake, a very common misconception.

Dr. David Thomas also commented: “Weight loss in the elderly is a risk factor for mortality. The clearest benefits of weight gain, improved body composition and increased protein and micronutrient intake are achieved when oral nutritional supplements are targeted to the right populations.” 

Dr. Luigi Ferrucci highlighted the importance and interdependence of antioxidants in the body and their potential role in minimizing the deleterious effects of oxidative stress in older adults. It is believed that the damage due to oxidative stress ultimately leads to ageing and age-related disorders, such as a change in functionality. Dr Ferrucci showed data from the InCHIANTI study, which showed an increase in knee and muscle strength with Vitamins E, C and b-carotene supplementation. This demonstrates a link between low micronutrient intake and a decline in physical function.

The symposium was sponsored by the Nestlé Nutrition Institute and was a part of the IAGG World Congress program.

Photo:  Dr. Thomas, Prof. Bischoff-Ferrari and Dr. Ferrucci (left to right) at the Nestlé Nutrition Institute symposium