Frailty in seniors linked to poor overall diet, US study discovers

03 Jul 2019 --- Poor overall diet quality is linked to an increased risk of becoming frail during senior life, according to a US study involving older adults. Published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, the study also found that the quality of the overall diet appeared to be more important than protein intake for a lower risk of frailty. The researchers say that the study supports the belief that quality prevails over quantity when it comes to dietary habits and note that more research on the matter is warranted.

The study examined the 2,154 participants, aged 70-81 years old, who were characterized as “robust” or “pre-frail” at the start of the study. The researchers monitored the participants for four years and found that 277 of them developed frailty. Poor and medium-quality diets were associated with a 92 percent and 40 percent higher incidence of frailty compared with good-quality diets, respectively. No association for protein intake was observed.

“The role of single nutrients such as protein in the development of frailty is not fully understood and definitely needs further investigation. Nevertheless, this study contributes to the idea that the overall quality is important anyway,” notes lead author Linda Hengeveld, of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, in the Netherlands.

Every day 10,000 Americans turn 65, while on a global scale, 8 percent of the population is over 65. This is expected to grow to 13 percent (one billion) by 2030, according to United Nations (UN) estimates. This is the fastest growing consumer demographic, with a spending power that will reach US$15 trillion worldwide by 2020. The 50+ market accounts for 39 percent of all online purchases and interacts heavily online for food and drink purchases.

Aging tastefully
The world’s population is fast growing older and with it, the need increases for improved nutritional strategies that will support a healthy senior life. Analogical to this is the cost of healthcare for seniors with mobility issues and other health problems, which can only be tackled preventatively. 

Every day 10,000 Americans turn 65, while on a global scale, 8 percent of the population is over 65. This is expected to grow to 13 percent (one billion) by 2030, according to United Nations (UN) estimates.According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), healthy aging is “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.” Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes are taxing the healthcare system. NCDs can be prevented through better health and nutrition. Research studies in the US show that every US$1 invested in preventative healthcare can save US$5 in treatment cost. 

In Asia for example, preventive measures and education present a US$205 billion opportunity for the nutraceuticals industry, according to Temasek – an investment company headquartered in Singapore.

Several studies on senior nutrition have flagged both mobility and cognition-related conditions that may be prevented or ameliorated via healthier nutritional strategies. A US study recently found that low levels of circulating vitamin K in the body are linked to an increased risk of mobility limitations and disability in older adults. Another study from John Hopkins found that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet – similar to a keto or Atkins diet – may improve brain function and memory in older adults. 

Senior nutrition is, however, a space that has a lot of untapped marketing potential and industry is slowing recognizing this market. In this arena, NPD is expected to boom with some notable launches already in the market. Perennial, a newly-established vegan brand launched its debut product, a beverage that targets 50+ consumers and promotes healthy aging, featuring fiber, vitamins and plant protein.

BioActor launched Actiful, a natural superfruit complex made from orange and pomegranate, which can boost physical and mental wellness in active seniors, according to a recent study. The trial demonstrated that supplementation with BioActor’s Actiful had a positive impact on physical fitness, quality of life and mental well-being when used in combination with proper nutrition.

Dysphagia – the medical term used to describe difficulty swallowing – is another concern among seniors that may hinder nutrient intake. In this space, Lithuanian scientists developed an innovative micronutrient-rich food product for elderly people with swallowing difficulties. Hormel Health Labs, a Hormel Foods Corporation subsidiary, launched Thick & Easy pureed meal kits and Thick & Easy Coffee Sticks. Both innovations are touted as being easy to swallow and nutrient rich. 

In the collagen space, mobility and maintaining activity levels well into senior life have become core issues and many companies have launched supplements and ingredients. Recently, bioactive peptides company Nuritas, enlisted the expertise of Professor Luc van Loon from Maastricht University in the Netherlands to address the issue of muscle atrophy in senior populations. The collaboration involves a double-blind placebo trial that will look at short term immobilization to measure muscle mass. This is an area of huge unmet medical need as there are no nutritional interventions that can preserve muscle mass and strength, according to van Loon.

By Kristiana Lalou