Association between diet quality and malnutrition: pooled results from two population-based studies in older adults.

BACKGROUND: The role of diet quality on malnutrition in older adults is uncertain, due the paucity of the research conducted and the use of use of screening tools that did not consider phenotypic criteria of malnutrition. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of two indices of diet quality, namely the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010), with malnutrition among community-dwelling older adults in Spain. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of data from 1921 adults aged ≥ 60 years from the Seniors-ENRICA-1 (SE-1) study, and 2652 adults aged ≥ 65 years from the Seniors-ENRICA-2 (SE-2) study. Habitual food consumption was assessed through a validated diet history. Malnutrition was defined according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) phenotypic criteria. Statistical analyses were performed with logistic regression with adjustment for socioeconomic and lifestyle variables as well as for total energy and protein intake. RESULTS: The prevalence of malnutrition in the SE-1 study was 9.5% (95% confidence interval: 8.2 to 10.9) and 11.7% (10.5 to 13.9) in the SE-2. Adherence to the MEDAS score was associated with lower prevalence of malnutrition [pooled odds ratio for high (≥ 9 points) vs. low adherence (< 7 points): 0.64 (0.48-0.84); p-trend < 0.001]. Higher adherence to the AHEI-2010 also showed an inverse association with malnutrition (pooled odds ratio for quartile 4 vs. 1: 0.65 (0.49-0.86); p-trend 0.006). Among the individual components, higher consumption of fish and long-chain n-3 fatty acids in MEDAS and AHEI-2010, and of vegetables and nuts and legumes in AHEI-2010, and lower intake of trans-fat and sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice in AHEI-2010 were independently associated with lower odds of malnutrition. CONCLUSION: Adherence to high diet-quality patterns was associated with lower frequency of malnutrition among older adults. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02804672. June 17, 2016.; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03541135. May 30, 2018.

Quality of plant-based diets and frailty incidence: a prospective analysis of UK biobank participants.

BACKGROUND: Substantial evidence supports the inverse association between adherence to healthy dietary patterns and frailty risk. However, the role of plant-based diets, particularly their quality, is poorly known. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of two plant-based diets with incidence of physical frailty in middle-aged and older adults. DESIGN: Prospective cohort. SETTING: United Kingdom. SUBJECTS: 24,996 individuals aged 40-70 years, followed from 2009-12 to 2019-22. METHODS: Based on at least two 24-h diet assessments, we built two diet indices: (i) the healthful Plant-based Diet Index (hPDI) and (ii) the unhealthful Plant-based Diet Index (uPDI). Incident frailty was defined as developing ≥3 out of 5 of the Fried criteria. We used Cox models to estimate relative risks (RR), and their 95% confidence interval (CI), of incident frailty adjusted for the main potential confounders. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 6.72 years, 428 cases of frailty were ascertained. The RR (95% CI) of frailty was 0.62 (0.48-0.80) for the highest versus lowest tertile of the hPDI and 1.61 (1.26-2.05) for the uPDI. The consumption of healthy plant foods was associated with lower frailty risk (RR per serving 0.93 (0.90-0.96)). The hPDI was directly, and the uPDI inversely, associated with higher risk of low physical activity, slow walking speed and weak hand grip, and the uPDI with higher risk of exhaustion. CONCLUSIONS: In British middle-age and older adults, greater adherence to the hPDI was associated with lower risk of frailty, whereas greater adherence to the uPDI was associated with higher risk.

Numerical values and impact of hypertension in Spain.

In Spain, 33% of adults aged 30 to 79 years (10 million) were hypertensive in 2019. Among them, 68% were diagnosed, 57% received drug therapy, and effective therapeutic coverage (control) reached 33%. Both diagnosis and control show geographical and social disparities. Approximately 46 000 cardiovascular deaths per year are attributable to hypertension. In recent decades, the control of hypertension has increased, due to improvements in lifestyle measures and increased use of polytherapy, coinciding with a reduction in stroke mortality. There are several modifiable determinants of the lack of hypertension control: a) white-coat phenomenon affects 22% to 33% of treated individuals, partly due to the limited availability of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) (49%) and self-measured BP (SMBP) (78%); b) inadequate patient adherence to medication and healthy lifestyles (weight loss, the most effective measure, is the least used, ≈40%); and c) insufficient use of polytherapy (≈55%). The remaining challenges include: a) technological aspects, such as measuring BP with more accurate techniques (ABPM, SMBP) and using cardiovascular-risk estimation tools (eg, SCORE); b) clinical challenges, such as reducing therapeutic inertia (≈59%), involving patients in their own management (medication adherence, ≈62%) and effectively implementing clinical guidelines); and c) public health challenges, such as reducing the burden of obesity (≈24%), monitoring progress with updated surveys, and setting national BP control targets.

Less Favorable Nutri-Score Consumption Ratings Are Prospectively Associated with Abdominal Obesity in Older Adults.

Nutri-Score is a front-of-package (FOP) labeling designed to assist consumers in selecting healthier options at the point of purchase and ultimately enhance their health. This study aims to evaluate the association between the Nutri-Score system and incident abdominal obesity (AO) in community-dwelling older adults. A prospective cohort of 628 individuals aged ≥ 60 were recruited in Spain between 2008-2010 and were reexamined between 2015-2017. Dietary intake was evaluated utilizing a validated computerized dietary history. Food was categorized based on the Nutri-Score system into five levels from A (green, representing the best quality) to E (red, representing the poorest quality). A five-color Nutri-Score dietary index (5-CNS DI) in g/day/kg was calculated for each participant. AO was determined by a waist circumference (WC) of ≥102 cm for men and ≥88 cm for women. Logistic regression models were adjusted for the main potential confounders. During a mean six-year follow-up, 184 incident cases of AO occurred. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for AO, when comparing the highest and lowest quartiles of the 5-CNS DI, were 2.45 (1.17-5.14), with a p-value for trend of 0.035. In sensitivity analyses, the OR was 2.59 (1.22-5.52, p-trend: 0.032) after adjustment for WC at baseline, and 1.75 (0.74-4.18, p-trend: 0.316) after adjustment for ultra-processed food consumption. In conclusion, less favorable food-consumption ratings in the Nutri-Score are associated with incident AO in the elderly. These findings support the use of this FOP system to potentially improve metabolic health.

Dietary vitamin C intake and changes in frequency, severity, and location of pain in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Oral vitamin C supplementation has been associated with lower risk of chronic postsurgical pain. However, the effect of dietary vitamin C on pain in a non-surgical setting is unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between dietary vitamin C intake and changes over time in chronic pain and its characteristics in community-dwelling adults aged 60+ years. METHODS: We pooled data from participants of the Seniors-ENRICA-1 (n=864) and Seniors-ENRICA-2 (n=862) cohorts who reported pain at baseline or at follow-up. Habitual diet was assessed with a face-to-face diet history and dietary vitamin C intake was estimated using standard food composition tables. Pain changes over time were the difference between scores at baseline and follow-up obtained from a pain scale that considered the frequency, severity, and number of pain locations. Multivariable-adjusted relative risk ratios (RRR) were obtained using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 2.6 years, pain worsened for 696 (40.3%) participants, improved for 734 (42.5%), and did not change for 296 (17.2%). Compared to the lowest tertile of energy-adjusted vitamin C intake, those in the highest tertile had a higher likelihood of overall pain improvement (RRR 1.61 [95% confidence interval 1.07-2.41],p-trend 0.02). Higher vitamin C intake was also associated with lower pain frequency (1.57 [1.00-2.47],p-trend=0.05) and number of pain locations (1.75 [1.13-2.70],p-trend=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Higher dietary vitamin C intake was associated with improvement of pain and with lower pain frequency and number of pain locations in older adults. Nutritional interventions to increase dietary vitamin C intake with the aim of improving pain management require clinical testing.

Growth differentiation factor 15 and malnutrition in older adults.

OBJECTIVES: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) levels increase due to systemic inflammation and chronic disease burden. Since these biological processes are pathogenic factors of malnutrition, we examined the prospective association between GDF-15 serum levels and subsequent malnutrition in older adults. METHODS: We used data from 723 women and 735 men aged ≥65 years [mean age (SD): 71.3 (4.18) years] participating in the Seniors-ENRICA-2 cohort, who were followed-up for 2.2 years. Malnutrition was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short form (MNA-SF), where a 12-14 score indicates normal nutritional status, an 8-11 score indicates at risk of malnutrition, and a 0-7 score malnutrition. Associations of GDF-15 and malnutrition were analyzed, separately in women and men, using linear and logistic regression and adjusted for the main potential confounders. RESULTS: The mean (SD) MNA-SF score at baseline was 13.2 (1.34) for women and 13.5 (1.13) for men. Incident malnutrition (combined endpoint "at risk of malnutrition or malnutrition") over 2.2 years was identified in 55 (9.7%) of women and 38 (5.4%) of men. In women, GDF-15 was linearly associated with a decrease in the MNA-SF score; mean differences (95% confidence interval) in the MNA-SF score were -0.07 (-0.13; -0.01) points per 25% increase in GDF-15, and -0.49 (-0.83; -0.16) for the highest versus lowest quartile of GDF-15. Also in women, GDF-15 was linearly associated with a higher malnutrition incidence, with odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.24 (1.06; 1.46) per 25% increment in GDF-15 and of 3.05 (1.21; 7.65) for the highest versus lowest quartile of GDF-15. Results were similar after excluding subjects with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. No association of GDF-15 with changes in MNA score or malnutrition incidence was found in men. CONCLUSION: Higher serum GDF-15 concentrations are associated with worsening nutritional status in older women. Further studies should elucidate the reasons for the sex differences in this association and explore the therapeutic potential of modifying GDF-15 to prevent malnutrition.

Frailty Influences the Relationship between the Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation-End Products and Mortality in Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Frailty is prevalent among older adults with diabetes mellitus. Elevated serum levels of the soluble receptor for advanced glycation-end products (sRAGE) predict mortality in frail older adults. The evidence that sRAGE is also related to higher mortality in older adults with diabetes mellitus is inconsistent. Therefore, this study explored if frailty status influences the relationship between sRAGE and mortality in older adults with this condition. METHODS: We analysed data of 391 participants with diabetes mellitus (median age, 76 years) from four European cohorts enrolled in the FRAILOMIC project. Frailty was evaluated at baseline using Fried's criteria. Serum sRAGE was determined by ELISA. Participants were stratified by frailty status (n = 280 non-frail and 111 frail). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to assess the relationship between sRAGE and mortality. RESULTS: During 6 years of follow-up, 98 participants died (46 non-frail and 52 frail). Non-survivors had significantly higher baseline levels of sRAGE than survivors (median [IQR]: 1,392 [962-2,043] pg/mL vs. 1,212 [963-1,514], p = 0.008). High serum sRAGE (>1,617 pg/mL) was associated with increased mortality in the whole diabetes sample after adjustment for relevant confounders (HR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.36-3.11, p < 0.001), and there was an interaction between sRAGE and frailty (p = 0.006). Accordingly, the association between sRAGE and mortality was stronger in the frail group compared to the non-frail group (HR 2.52, 95% CI: 1.30-4.90, p = 0.006 vs. HR 1.71, 95% CI: 0.91-3.23, p = 0.099, respectively). Likewise, Kaplan-Meier curves showed a significant difference in survival rates between frail participants with high sRAGE and those with low sRAGE (p = 0.001), whereas no survival difference was seen in the non-frail group (p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty status influences the relationship between sRAGE and mortality in older adults with diabetes mellitus. Determination of sRAGE in this population could be a useful tool for risk stratification.

Exposure to green spaces, cardiovascular risk biomarkers and incident cardiovascular disease in older adults: The Seniors-Enrica II cohort.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of residential green spaces on cardiovascular health in older adults remains uncertain. METHODS: Cohort study involving 2114 adults aged ≥ 65 years without cardiovascular disease (CVD), residing in five dense municipalities (Prince et al., 2015) of the Madrid region and with detailed characterization of their socioeconomic background, health behaviors, CVD biological risk factors, and mental, physical, and cognitive health. Greenness exposure was measured using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) at varying distances from participants' homes. Traffic exposure, neighborhood environment, neighborhood walkability, and socioeconomic deprivation at the census level were also assessed. Serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15) were measured at baseline, and incident CVD events identified through electronic medical records (International Classification of Primary Care-2 codes K74, K75, K77, K90, and K92). RESULTS: After adjusting for sex, age, educational attainment, financial hardship and socioeconomic deprivation at the census level, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in NDVI at 250, 500, 750, and 1000 m around participants' homes was associated with mean differences in ProBNP of -5.56 % (95 %CI: -9.77; -1.35), -5.05 % (-9.58; -0.53), -4.24 % (-8.19, -0.19), and -4.16 % (-7.59; -0.74), respectively; and mean differences in hs-TnT among diabetic participants of -8.03 % (95 %CI: -13.30; -2.77), -9.52 % (-16.08; -2.96), -8.05 % (-13.94, -2.16) and -5.56 % (-10.75; -0.54), respectively. Of similar magnitude, although only statistically significant at 250 and 500 m, were the observed lower IL-6 levels with increasing greenness. GDF-15 levels were independent of NDVI. In prospective analyses (median follow-up 6.29 years), an IQR increase in residential greenness at 500, 750, and 1000 m was associated with a lower risk of incident CVD. The variables that contributed most to the apparent beneficial effects of greenness on CVD were lower exposure to traffic, improved cardiovascular risk factors, and enhanced physical performance. Additionally, neighborhood walkability and increased physical activity were notable contributors among individuals with diabetes. CONCLUSION: Increased exposure to residential green space was associated with a moderate reduction in CVD risk in older adults residing in densely populated areas.

The Hearing Function and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between hearing function, assessed with pure-tone average (PTA) of air conduction thresholds, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in older adults. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: A total of 1404 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years from the Seniors-ENRICA cohort were examined. METHODS: Hearing loss was defined as PTA > 40-AudCal hearing loss decibels (dB-aHL) in the better ear for standard frequency (0.5, 1, and 2 kHz), speech frequency (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz), and high frequency (3, 4, and 8 kHz). Circadian BP patterns were calculated as the percentage decline in systolic BP during the night, and participants were classified as dipper, nondipper, and riser. Ambulatory hypertension was defined as BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg (24 hour), ≥135/85 (daytime), and ≥120/70 (nighttime) or on antihypertensive treatment. Analyses were performed with linear- and logistic-regression models adjusted for the main confounders. RESULTS: In multivariable analyses, the PTA was associated with higher nighttime systolic BP [ß coefficient per 20 dB-aHL increment standard frequency (95% confidence interval, CI): 2.41 mm Hg (0.87, 3.95); ß (95% CI) per 20 dB-aHL increment speech frequency 2.17 mm Hg (0.70, 3.64)]. Among hypertensive patients, hearing loss at standard and high-frequency PTA was associated with the riser BP pattern [odds ratio: 2.01 (95% CI, 1.03-3.93) and 1.45 (1.00-2.09), respectively]; also, hearing loss at standard PTA was linked to uncontrolled nighttime BP [1.81 (1.01-3.24)]. CONCLUSION: PTA was associated with higher nighttime BP, and hearing loss with a riser BP pattern and uncontrolled BP in older hypertensives.

Glyphosate exposure, muscular health and functional limitations in middle-aged and older adults.

BACKGROUND: Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide worldwide, both in domestic and industrial settings. Experimental research in animal models has demonstrated changes in muscle physiology and reduced contractile strength associated with glyphosate exposure, while epidemiological studies have shown associations between glyphosate exposure and adverse health outcomes in critical biological systems affecting muscle function. METHODS: This study used data from a nationally representative survey of the non-institutionalized U.S. general population (NHANES, n = 2132). Urine glyphosate concentrations were determined by ion chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Hand grip strength (HGS) was measured using a Takei Dynamometer, and relative strength estimated as the ratio between HGS in the dominant hand and the appendicular lean mass (ALM) to body mass index (ALMBMI) ratio. Low HGS and low relative HGS were defined as 1 sex-, age- and race-specific SD below the mean. Physical function limitations were identified as significant difficulty or incapacity in various activities. RESULTS: In fully-adjusted models, the Mean Differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals [95%CI] per doubling increase in glyphosate concentrations were -0.55 [-1.09, -0.01] kg for HGS in the dominant hand, and -0.90 [-1.58. -0.21] kg for HGS/ALMBMI. The Odds Ratios (OR) [95% CI] for low HGS, low relative HGS and functional limitations by glyphosate concentrations were 1.27 [1.03, 1.57] for low HGS; 1.43 [1.05; 1.94] for low relative HGS; 1.33 [1.08, 1.63] for stooping, crouching or kneeling difficulty; 1.17 [0.91, 1.50] for lifting or carrying items weighting up to 10 pounds difficulty; 1.21 [1.01, 1.40] for standing up from armless chair difficulty; and 1.47 [1.05, 2.29] for ascending ten steps without pause difficulty. CONCLUSIONS: Glyphosate exposure may be a risk factor for decreased grip strength and increased physical functional limitations. More studies investigating the influence of this and other environmental pollutants on functional aging are needed.

Lifestyle behaviors, social and economic disadvantages, and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: results from the US National Health Interview Survey.

Aim: To examine the independent relationships of lifestyle and social and economic factors with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in a large representative sample of the US adult population. Furthermore, the association between the combination of lifestyle and social and economic factors with mortality was analyzed in detail. Methods: The sample included 103,314 participants with valid records and eligible for mortality follow-up, and information on lifestyle factors and social and economic disadvantages (NHIS waves 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015). An unhealthy lifestyle score was constructed using information on physical activity, alcohol consumption, diet, and smoking status. Social and economic disadvantages were assessed using information on education, receipt of dividends, employment, family's home, and access to private health. Information on mortality data was determined by the National Death Index records. Results: Compared with favorable lifestyle, unfavorable lifestyle was associated with higher all-cause (HR 2.07; 95% CI 1.97-2.19) and CVD (HR 1.84; 95% CI 1.68-2.02) mortality. Higher social and economic disadvantages were also associated with higher all-cause (HR 2.44; 95% CI 2.30-2.59) and CVD mortality (HR 2.44; 95% CI 2.16-2.77), compared to low social and economic disadvantages. In joint associations, participants in the high social and economic disadvantage and unfavorable lifestyle showed a greater risk of all-cause (HR 4.06; 95% CI 3.69-4.47) and CVD mortality (HR 3.98; 95% CI 3.31-4.79). Conclusion: Lifestyle and social and economic disadvantages are associated with all-cause and CVD mortality. The risk of mortality increases as the number of social and economic disadvantages and unhealthy lifestyles increases.

Trends in the association between meeting the physical activity guidelines and risk of mortality in US adults.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the trends in the association between meeting the physical activity (PA) guidelines and mortality in adults. METHODS: We included seventeen annual representative samples of US adults 1998-2014 (n = 482,756) and all-cause and cause-specific mortality ascertained through December 2019. Participants were grouped according to PA Guidelines: 150 or more min/week in aerobic PA and muscle-strengthening activities 2 or more times/week. To provide further context, we also examined the trends in mortality risk associated with other modifiable health factors. RESULTS: Meeting the PA guidelines was associated with lower 5-year mortality risk (HR = 0.59, 95%CI, 0.55, 0.63) based on the pooled analyses. We consistently observed an inverse association in all years, but there was a nonsignificant trend association (P for trend = 0.305) between meeting PA guidelines and 5-year mortality across the seventeen annual surveys. Meeting aerobic (HR = 0.58, 95%CI, 0.56, 0.61) and muscle-strengthening (HR = 0.86, 95%CI, 0.81, 0.90) guidelines were independently associated with 5-year mortality risk in pooled analyses, without any evidence for trends in the associations. Similar results were found with cause-specific mortality and 10-year mortality risk. In pooled analyses, attaining a high educational level, body mass index <30 kg/m2, being noncurrent smoker, nonheavy drinker, and living without history of hypertension and diabetes with 5-year mortality were 0.70 (95%CI, 0.67, 0.73), 1.19 (95%CI, 1.15, 1.23), 0.56 (95%CI, 0.54, 0.59), 0.85 (95%CI,0.79, 0.92), 0.91 (95%CI, 0.88-0.94) and 0.65 (95%CI, 0.88, 0.94), respectively. Only no history of diabetes showed a significant trend analysis (B = 0.77, 95%CI, 0.46, 0.91, P for trend <0.001). CONCLUSION: Meeting PA guidelines lower mortality risk and this association does not seem to have varied over time. Encouraging adults to meet the PA guidelines may provide substantial health benefits, despite social, demographic and lifestyle changes, as well as the advances in medical technology and pharmacological treatments.

Nutri-Score 2023 update.

In 2023, the algorithm underlying the Nutri-Score front-of-pack label was updated to better align with food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) across countries engaged in the system. On the basis of a comparison of FBDGs and literature reviews with the current Nutri-Score classification, modification scenarios were developed and tested in nutritional composition databases of branded products in four countries. The updated Nutri-Score nutrient profile model allows a better discrimination between products, in closer alignment with FBDGs, while the updated algorithm adopts a stricter approach for products that are high in components of concern (including non-nutritive sweeteners) and low in favourable dietary components. The updated Nutri-Score algorithm increases the alignment between the front-of-pack label system and FBDGs, strengthening its potential as a complementary public health tool in an international perspective.

Specific dairy foods and risk of frailty in older women: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Dairy contains a complex mixture of lipids, proteins, and micronutrients. Whether habitual dairy consumption is associated with health benefits is not well established. Since dairy is high in nutrients that are potentially protective against frailty, the association between dairy products and the risk of frailty is of interest. METHODS: We analyzed data from 85,280 women aged ≥ 60 years participating in the Nurses' Health Study. Consumption of milk, yogurt, and cheese was obtained from repeated food frequency questionnaires administered between 1980 and 2010. Frailty was defined as having at least three of the following five criteria from the FRAIL scale: fatigue, low strength, reduced aerobic capacity, having ≥ 5 chronic illnesses, and a weight loss of ≥ 5%. The occurrence of frailty was assessed every four years from 1992 to 2018. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association between the intake of dairy foods and frailty. RESULTS: During follow-up we identified 15,912 incident cases of frailty. Consumption of milk or yogurt was not associated with the risk of frailty after adjustment for lifestyle factors, medication use, and overall diet quality. Cheese consumption was positively associated with risk of frailty [relative risk (95% confidence interval) for one serving/day increment in consumption: 1.10 (1.05, 1.16)]. Replacing one serving/day of milk, yogurt, or cheese with one serving/day of whole grains, nuts, or legumes was associated with a significant lower risk of frailty, while replacing milk, yogurt, or cheese with red meat or eggs was associated with an increased risk. When milk was replaced with a sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened beverage, a greater risk of frailty was observed, while replacing milk with orange juice was associated with a lower risk of frailty. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the association between milk, yogurt, and cheese and frailty partly depends on the replacement product. Habitual consumption of milk or yogurt was not associated with risk of frailty, whereas cheese consumption may be associated with an increased risk.

Plant-Based Diets and Risk of Hip Fracture in Postmenopausal Women.

Importance: Previous research has found that vegetarian diets are associated with lower bone mineral density and higher risk of fractures, but these studies did not differentiate the quality of the plant-based foods. Objective: To examine the association between the quality of plant-based diets (not necessarily vegan but also omnivorous) and hip fracture risk among postmenopausal women in the Nurses' Health Study. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study analyzed data from 70 285 postmenopausal women who participated in the US Nurses' Health Study from 1984 through 2014. Data were analyzed from January 1 to July 31, 2023. Main outcomes and Measures: Hip fractures were self-reported on biennial questionnaires. Diet was assessed every 4 years using a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Plant-based diet quality was assessed using 2 previously established indices: the healthful Plant-Based Diet Index (hPDI), for which healthy plant foods (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, vegetable oils, and tea or coffee) received positive scores, whereas less healthy plant foods (fruit juices, sweetened beverages, refined grains, potatoes, and sweets or desserts) and animal foods received reversed scores; and the unhealthful Plant-Based Diet Index (uPDI), for which positive scores were given to less healthy plant foods and reversed scores to healthy plant and animal foods. Quintile scores of 18 food groups were summed, with a theoretical range for both indices of 18 to 90 (highest adherence). Cox proportional hazards regression with time-varying covariates was used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for hip fracture. Results: In total, 70 285 participants (mean [SD] age, 54.92 [4.48] years; 100% White women) were included, and 2038 cases of hip fracture were ascertained during the study and for up to 30 years of follow-up. Neither the hPDI (HR for highest vs lowest quintile, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.83-1.14]) nor the uPDI (HR for highest vs lowest quintile, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.87-1.20]) for long-term diet adherence was associated with hip fracture risk. However, when examining recent intake for the highest vs lowest quintiles, the hPDI was associated with 21% lower risk of hip fracture (HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.68-0.92]; P = .02 for trend), and the uPDI was associated with 28% higher risk (1.28 [95% CI, 1.09-1.51]; P = .008 for trend). Conclusions and Relevance: Findings of this cohort study indicated that long-term adherence to healthful or unhealthful plant-based diets as assessed by hPDI and uPDI scores was not associated with hip fracture risk. Future research should clarify whether the associations observed with recent dietary intake are due to short-term effects of these dietary patterns, reverse causality, or both.

Exposure to residential traffic and trajectories of unhealthy ageing: results from a nationally-representative cohort of older adults.

BACKGROUND: Traffic exposure has been associated with biomarkers of increased biological ageing, age-related chronic morbidities, and increased respiratory, cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality. Whether it is associated with functional impairments and unhealthy ageing trajectories is unknown. METHODS: Nationally representative population-based cohort with 3,126 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥60 years who contributed 8,291 biannual visits over a 10 year period. Unhealthy ageing was estimated with a deficit accumulation index (DAI) based on the number and severity of 52 health deficits, including 22 objectively-measured impairments in physical and cognitive functioning. Differences in DAI at each follow-up across quintiles of residential traffic density (RTD) at 50 and 100 meters, and closest distance to a petrol station, were estimated using flexible marginal structural models with inverse probability of censoring weights. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic and time-varying lifestyle factors, social deprivation index at the census tract and residential exposure to natural spaces. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean (SD) age and DAI score of the participants were 69.0 (6.6) years and 17.02 (11.0) %, and 54.0% were women. The median (IQR) RTD at 50 and 100 meters were 77 (31-467) and 509 (182-1802) vehicles/day, and the mean (SD) distance to the nearest petrol station of 962 (1317) meters. The average increase in DAI (95%CI) for participants in quintiles Q2-Q5 (vs Q1) of RTD at 50 meters was of 1.51 (0.50, 2.53), 0.98 (-0.05, 2.01), 2.20 (1.18, 3.21) and 1.98 (0.90, 3.05), respectively. Consistent findings were observed at 100 meters. By domains, most of the deficits accumulated with increased RTD were of a functional nature, although RTD at 50 meters was also associated with worse self-reported health, increased vitality problems and higher incidence of chronic morbidities. Living closer to a petrol station was associated with a higher incidence of functional impairments and chronic morbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to nearby residential traffic is associated with accelerated trajectories of unhealthy ageing. Diminishing traffic pollution should become a priority intervention for adding healthy years to life in the old age.

Animal and vegetable protein intake and malnutrition in older adults: a multicohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Malnutrition is a global concern in older adults, as it negatively affects morbidity and mortality. While higher animal protein intake may help prevent and treat malnutrition, it might also increase the risk of chronic diseases and death. Conversely, vegetable protein intake might have a lower anabolic effect and not be as effective to improve nutritional status. We studied whether animal and vegetable protein intake are associated with changes in nutritional status in older adults. DESIGN: We used pooled data from two Spanish cohorts: the Seniors-ENRICA 1 and Seniors-ENRICA 2. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: 2,965 community-dwelling adults aged 62-92 years. MEASUREMENTS: Protein intake was estimated at baseline via an electronic, validated diet history. Nutritional status was assessed at baseline and after 2.6 years with the GLIM (Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition) phenotypic criteria: weight loss, low body mass index, and reduced muscle mass. The odds of improvements in nutritional status were assessed with logistic regression models, extensively adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: Higher animal and vegetable protein intake were associated with improvements in nutritional status [odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) per 0.25 g/kg/day were 1.15 (1.00, 1.32) and 1.77 (1.35, 2.32), respectively]. Cereal protein intake drove most of the latter association [2.07 (1.44, 2.98)]. Replacing 0.25 g/kg/day of total animal protein, meat, or fish protein (but not dairy or egg protein) with vegetable protein was associated with improvements in nutritional status [1.54 (1.13, 2.09), 1.70 (1.20, 2.41), and 1.77 (1.18, 2.64), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Higher animal and, especially, vegetable protein intake were associated with improvements in nutritional status in older adults. Replacing total animal protein, meat, or fish protein with vegetable protein may help improve malnutrition.

The role of physical activity in the association between disability and mortality among US older adults: a nationwide prospective cohort study.

To examine whether physical activity can mitigate the mortality risk associated with disability in activities of daily living and instrumental activities in daily living among older adults. This analysis comprised 177,360 US participants (104,556 women), aged ≥ 60 years, with valid data from the 1997 through 2018 waves of the US National Health Interview Survey. Participants reported the frequency and duration of leisure-time PA, and their disabilities in activities of daily living and instrumental activities in daily living. Mortality data were obtained from the National Death Index. Over a mean (SD) follow-up of 8.02 (5.43) years, 66,694 deaths occurred from all-cause, 22,673 from cardiovascular disease, and 13,845 from cancer. Among people with disability in activities in daily living, those reaching physical activity recommendations had 25%, 24% and 33% lower risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer death, respectively, compared with those who do not meet physical activity recommendations. Values were 23%, 22% and 24% for those with disability in instrumental activities in daily living. Risk reductions associated with reaching the recommended physical activity ranged 16% to 29% for people without disability. Combining disability type and compliance with physical activity, individuals with disability in activities of daily living or instrumental activities in daily living who meet the recommended physical activity had moderately higher mortality than those without disability who did not achieve the recommended physical activity. Compliance with physical activity recommendations can partially mitigate excess mortality resulting from disability in activities in daily living or instrumental activities in daily living in older adults.

Association of a healthy beverage score with total mortality in the adult population of Spain: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the substantial evidence of the relationship between diet and mortality, the role of beverage consumption patterns is not well known. The aim of this study was to assess the association of the adherence to a Healthy Beverage Score (HBS) and all-cause mortality in a representative sample of the Spanish adult population. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted an observational cohort study using data from the Study on Nutrition and Cardiovascular Risk in Spain (ENRICA), which included 12,161 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥18 years recruited in 2008 to 2010 and followed until January 2022. At baseline, food consumption was collected using a validated diet history. The HBS consists of 7 items, each of which is scored from 1 to 4 (highest adherence). The HBS ranges from 7 to 28 points with a higher score representing a healthier pattern. Adherence was assigned as a higher consumption of low-fat milk, and coffee and tea, a lower consumption of whole-fat milk, no consumption of fruit juice, artificially sweetened beverages, or sugar-sweetened beverages, and no or moderate consumption of alcohol. Total mortality was ascertained by linkage to the Spanish National Death Index. Statistical analyses were performed with Cox models and adjusted for the main confounders, including sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary variables, and morbidity. After a mean follow-up of 12.5 years (SD: 1.7; range: 0.5 to 12.9), a total of 967 deaths occurred. For all-cause mortality, the fully adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the highest versus lowest sex-specific quartiles of HBS was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [0.57, 0.91], p linear-trend = 0.015), corresponding to an 8.3% reduction in the absolute risk of death. A linear relationship between the risk of death and the adherence to the HBS was observed using restricted cubic splines. The results were robust to sensitivity analyses. The main limitation was that repeated measurements on beverage consumption were not available and beverage consumption could have changed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed that higher adherence to the HBS was associated with lower total mortality. Adherence to a healthy beverage pattern could play a role in the prevention of premature mortality.

Association Between Speech Reception Threshold in Noise and Multimorbidity: The UK Biobank Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between hearing function, as approached with the functional auditory capacity, and multimorbidity. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: The UK Biobank was established from 2006 to 2010 in the United Kingdom. This cross-sectional analysis included 165,524 participants who provided baseline information on hearing function. METHODS: Functional auditory capacity was measured with a digit triplet test. Three categories were defined according to the speech reception threshold in noise (SRTn): normal (SRTn < -5.5 dB signal-to-noise ratio [SNR]), insufficient (SRTn ≥ -5.5 to ≤ -3.5 dB SNR) and poor hearing function (SRTn > -3.5 dB SNR). To define multimorbidity, 9 chronic diseases were considered, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke, cancer, depression, osteoarthritis, coronary heart disease, and diabetes; multimorbidity was defined as the coexistence of 2 or more in the same individual. Analyses were conducted using logistic models adjusted for relevant confounders. RESULTS: Among the study participants, 54.5% were women, and the mean (range) age was 56.7 (39-72) years. The prevalence of insufficient and poor hearing function and multimorbidity was 13% and 13.2%, respectively. In comparison with having a normal SRTn, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of multimorbidity associated with insufficient SRTn was 1.13 (1.08-1.18), and with poor SRTn was 1.25 (1.14-1.37). CONCLUSION: Insufficient and poor hearing function was associated with multimorbidity. This association suggests common biological pathways for many of the considered morbidities.