Mediterranean diet intervention alters the gut microbiome in older people reducing frailty and improving health status: the NU-AGE 1-year dietary intervention across five European countries.

OBJECTIVE: Ageing is accompanied by deterioration of multiple bodily functions and inflammation, which collectively contribute to frailty. We and others have shown that frailty co-varies with alterations in the gut microbiota in a manner accelerated by consumption of a restricted diversity diet. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is associated with health. In the NU-AGE project, we investigated if a 1-year MedDiet intervention could alter the gut microbiota and reduce frailty. DESIGN: We profiled the gut microbiota in 612 non-frail or pre-frail subjects across five European countries (UK, France, Netherlands, Italy and Poland) before and after the administration of a 12-month long MedDiet intervention tailored to elderly subjects (NU-AGE diet). RESULTS: Adherence to the diet was associated with specific microbiome alterations. Taxa enriched by adherence to the diet were positively associated with several markers of lower frailty and improved cognitive function, and negatively associated with inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein and interleukin-17. Analysis of the inferred microbial metabolite profiles indicated that the diet-modulated microbiome change was associated with an increase in short/branch chained fatty acid production and lower production of secondary bile acids, p-cresols, ethanol and carbon dioxide. Microbiome ecosystem network analysis showed that the bacterial taxa that responded positively to the MedDiet intervention occupy keystone interaction positions, whereas frailty-associated taxa are peripheral in the networks. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our findings support the feasibility of improving the habitual diet to modulate the gut microbiota which in turn has the potential to promote healthier ageing.

The association between hydration status and cognitive function among free-living elderly volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Ageing is inevitably associated with a progressive cognitive decline. With the rising percentage of the elderly in society, the number of people with dementia and cognitive impairment increases. Water is a vital ingredient that must be included in the diet. The impact of hydration status on cognitive performance has been studied only a little so far. AIMS: The objective of the study was to investigate the relation between the hydration status and the cognitive function. METHODS: The study was conducted among 60 free-living volunteers, aged 60-93 years. Data on water consumption were gathered based on 3-day records. The hydration status was assessed in morning urine samples by evaluating urine specific gravity. The cognitive function was tested using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Babcock Story Recall Test and the Trail Making Test. Information about depression was gathered by the Geriatric Depression Scale. RESULTS: The mean daily total water intake was 2441 ± 622 ml, and 70% of respondents met the reference values for an adequate intake. The mean urine specific gravity (1.013 g/cm3, range of 1.004-1.025 g/cm3) indicated that most of the individuals were in a good hydration state. The average result of MMSE was 27.8, which is connected with mild cognitive impairment. There was no significant relationship between the hydration status and the results of the cognitive function test in the studied population. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: As the elderly volunteers had a good hydration status, there was no significant relationship between cognitive performance and urine specific gravity. It is necessary to replicate the findings of this study with a larger and more diverse sample of older adults.

Intake of Vitamins and Minerals from Voluntarily Fortified Foods in School Children in Central-Eastern Poland.

Objective: To estimate vitamin and mineral intakes from voluntarily fortified foods (VFFs) in relation to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) in children aged 6 - 12. Methods: The study was conducted among 677 school children from Central-Eastern Poland. Data on VFFs consumption were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire containing 58 food items available on the Polish market; the content of nutrients in VFFs was estimated using the producers labelling declaration. The amounts of nutrients consumed from VFFs were compared to DRI and Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs). The distribution of nutrient intakes according to the percentage of DRI categories (<20%, 20 - 39.9%, 40 - 59.9%, 60 - 79.9%, 80 - 99.9%, 100 - 119%, and >120%) was investigated. Results: In our study, 78.3% (n = 530) of children were classified as VFF-consumers. The most often consumed groups of VFFs were cereal products and juices/non-alcoholic beverages (92.5% and 76.6% of children, respectively). The amounts of vitamin D intake were negligible (92.5% of children did not exceed 20% of DRI from VFFs); vitamins A, E, B12 and calcium were small (>60% did not exceed 40% of DRI); vitamins B1, B2, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid and iron were moderate (>25% consumed 80% of DRI or above); while vitamins C, B6 and biotin were high (>40% consumed 100% of DRI or above). Intake above ULs was observed for niacin and folic acid (2.6% and 1.1% of children, respectively). Conclusions: Substantial differences between the VFFs contribution of various micronutrients to the DRIs were observed. Consumption of VFFs may prevent inadequate intakes for the majority of nutrients. Keywords: children, DRI, inadequate intake, minerals, fortified foods, vitamins.

Vegetables and fruit, as a source of bioactive substances, and impact on memory and cognitive function of elderly.

The phenomenon of population aging is not only associated with an increase in the number and proportion of older people in society, but also with an increase in the incidence of cognitive impairment. This can impair the functioning of the elderly in everyday life, work and social life participation and impair their quality of life. Hence, it is important to identify the protective factors. Neurodegenerative changes are closely linked to inflammatory processes and oxidative stress. Diet is of great importance, with particular attention being paid to the adequate intake of fruits and vegetables, due to their proven health benefits. This may be correlated to the protective effect of the bioactive substances that are present in fruits and vegetables, in particular flavonoids and carotenoids. The elderly who consume 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables have a higher antioxidant capacity of blood serum, while the risk of chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative and mortality rates are lower. The analysis included the results of 16 published epidemiological studies, including people aged 65+. Their results are discussed in 4 fields of the effects on cognitive function (1) fruit and vegetable intake; (2) flavonoids intake; (3) carotenoid nutritional status; (4) mechanism of action of plant bioactive substances. It has been found that the positive effects of consumption of fruits and vegetables may be associated with cognitive functions in the three possible areas, ie.: (1) improvement in cognitive testing; (2) delaying or preventing age-related deterioration of cognitive decline; (3) reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

The effect of iron and zinc supplementation and its discontinuation on liver antioxidant status in rats fed deficient diets.

PURPOSE: The aim was to investigate the effect of iron or combined iron/zinc supplementation on rat liver antioxidant status. METHODS: The 6-week male Wistar rats were examined in 3 stages: (1) 4-week adaptation to the diets (C-control AIN-93M diet, D-iron deficient and R-with 50% reduction in all vitamin and mineral amounts); (2) 4-week supplementation with the same regimen enriched with tenfold more iron or iron/zinc; (3) 2-week post-supplementation period (the same diets as in the stage I). RESULTS: Combined iron/zinc supplementation similarly to iron supplementation alone significantly (p values ≤ 0.05) increased the iron content in the liver in D and R rats after stages II and III. Moreover, iron/zinc supplementation compared to iron supplementation alone significantly decreased the liver concentration of 8-isoprostane (after stage II in D and after stage III in R rats), protein carbonyl groups (only after stage III in R rats) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (after stage II in R and after stage III in D and R rats). In rats fed R-type of diets after stage II hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, but not glutathione peroxidation activity and total antioxidant capacity, was lower in iron and iron/zinc supplemented than in non-supplemented rats, whereas after stage III in iron/zinc supplemented SOD was lower and CAT activity was higher in comparison with non-supplemented and iron supplemented rats. CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous iron/zinc supplementation can protect liver against peroxidative damage induced by high doses of iron during and after the intervention in rats fed iron-deficient diet and diet with reduced amounts of vitamins and minerals. The post-intervention observation is relevant because the effect may be delayed and visible only after this period.

Dietary intakes of iron and zinc assessed in a selected group of the elderly: are they adequate?

BACKGROUND: Many studies demonstrate that the elderly consume a nutritionally inadequate diet that includes deficiencies in macro- and microelements; iron and zinc being significant examples of the former. OBJECTIVES: To assess the adequacy of dietary iron and zinc intakes in the elderly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on n = 102 elderly persons, participating in the PolSenior Project, aged over 65, of which 44 were women and 58 men. Consumption data were collected by using 3 day dietary record from which a usual intakes of energy, macroelements (iron and zinc) were calculated. The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut point and z-scores methods were used to determine probabilities of whether iron and zinc uptake was adequate per subject. RESULTS: By using the EAR cut-point method it was stated that iron intake was inadequate for 5% of respondents, whereas 44% showed deficits in zinc (34% women and 52% men). The z-scores demonstrated that 3% of subjects had high probabilities of deficiencies in iron and 52% in zinc. Indeed, very high zinc deficiencies were observed in 20% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The insufficient energy intake observed among respondents contributes to a high risk of zinc deficiency necessary to ensure health in the elderly. In most cases, the low risk of iron deficiency shows that there is no need to increase this nutrient uptake in the examined group of elderly. The study highlights the need for educating the elderly, especially focused on improving zinc intake without changing iron intake. It can be done through appropriate dietary choices so as to include products such as dairy products, wheat bran, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, beans, lentils and nuts.

Dietary Habits and Nutritional Status of Different Population Groups in Relation to Lifestyle Factors and Nutritional Knowledge.

Proper nutrition and a balanced diet are factors that influence the growth and development of children and adolescents, as well as body weight and health throughout life [...].

Protein intake and bone mineral density: Cross-sectional relationship and longitudinal effects in older adults.

BACKGROUND: There are several mechanisms via which increased protein intake might maintain or improve bone mineral density (BMD), but current evidence for an association or effect is inconclusive. The objectives of this study were to investigate the association between dietary protein intake (total, plant and animal) with BMD (spine and total body) and the effects of protein supplementation on BMD. METHODS: Individual data from four trials that included either (pre-)frail, undernourished or healthy older adults (aged ≥65 years) were combined. Dietary intake was assessed with food records (2, 3 or 7 days) and BMD with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Associations and effects were assessed by adjusted linear mixed models. RESULTS: A total of 1570 participants [57% women, median (inter-quartile range): age 71 (68-75) years] for which at least total protein intake and total body BMD were known were included in cross-sectional analyses. In fully adjusted models, total protein intake was associated with higher total body and spine BMD [beta (95% confidence interval): 0.0011 (0.0006-0.0015) and 0.0015 (0.0007-0.0023) g/cm2 , respectively]. Animal protein intake was associated with higher total body and spine BMD as well [0.0011 (0.0007-0.0016) and 0.0017 (0.0010-0.0024) g/cm2 , respectively]. Plant protein intake was associated with a lower total body and spine BMD [-0.0010 (-0.0020 to -0.0001) and -0.0019 (-0.0034 to -0.0004) g/cm2 , respectively]. Associations were similar between sexes. Participants with a high ratio of animal to plant protein intake had higher BMD. In participants with an adequate calcium intake and sufficient serum 25(OH)D concentrations, the association between total protein intake with total body and spine BMD became stronger. Likewise, the association between animal protein intake with total body BMD was stronger. In the longitudinal analyses, 340 participants [58% women, median (inter-quartile range): age 75 (70-81) years] were included. Interventions of 12 or 24 weeks with protein supplementation or protein supplementation combined with resistance exercise did not lead to significant improvements in BMD. CONCLUSIONS: An association between total and animal protein intake with higher BMD was found. In contrast, plant protein intake was associated with lower BMD. Research is warranted to further investigate the added value of dietary protein alongside calcium and vitamin D for BMD improvement, especially in osteopenic or osteoporotic individuals. Moreover, more research on the impact of a plant-based diet on bone health is needed.

[Influence of selected factors on fortified food intake by children]. / Wplyw wybranych czynników na spozycie przez dzieci produktów wzbogacanych.

BACKGROUND: The range of food products fortified with vitamins and minerals in Poland is growing rapidly in the last years. Also the consumption of such food and dietary supplements is increasing. Therefore there is a risk of excessive intake of vitamins and minerals. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the determinants of intake of food products fortified with vitamins and minerals among children aged 6-12. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data was collected by a questionnaire specially developed and a FFQ method including vitamins and/or minerals in fortified food products. There were collected data from parents of 743 children (374 boys, 369 girls) attending primary schools, placed in four different districts of Poland. RESULTS: More than 70% of children consumed food products fortified with vitamins and/or minerals, among them 76% - every day. As a main reason of intake of fortified food by children, parents mentioned the beneficial effects on health (86.2% parents) and taste preferences (61.2%). However, the main reason of no consuming this kind of products, were proper nutrition of the children (57.4%), no influence on health (30.3%) and prohibitive price (24,1%). There were statistically significant relationships between intake of food fortified with vitamins and/or minerals and children's age (75.8% of age 6-9 years vs. 58.1% of age 10-12 years), health condition (71.6% of children with good and very good health status -assessed by parents - vs. 55.6% with average and poor health status), the number of meals eaten during the day (75.6% eating 4 meals/day vs. 67.8% - 5 and more meals vs. 52.3% - 3 meals), regular breakfast eating (71.8% eating vs. 50.0% non consumption), brunch eating (73.3% vs. 54.0% respectively), afternoon snack eating (75.7% vs. 59.4%) and using of dietary supplements (84.6% among children who use supplements vs. 61.4% among non users). CONCLUSIONS: It was established that about 22% of parents were unaware that their children consumed food fortified with vitamins and/or minerals. Food fortified with vitamins and/or minerals was consumed more frequently among younger children, specially among those who eat more meals per day and with good and very good health status. Due to the fact that many children consumed both fortified foods and dietary supplements, there is a risk of exceeding levels consider as safe (UL) of some vitamins and/or minerals.

[Minerals intake from drinking water by young women]. / Spozycie skladników mineralnych z woda pitna przez mlode kobiety.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the intake of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium and sodium with drinking water among 19-26 years old women, students at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on intake of drinking water and food products were collected based on 4-day record method. Information about kind of water usage to prepare beverages and meals were obtained by using a specific questionnaire. Minerals concentrations in water samples were assessed using the atomic spectrophotometer absorption (ASA) technique. RESULTS: The average consumption of drinking water equaled 870 +/- 389 cm3/d (100-2738 cm3/d). The drinking water used by the women for meals or beverages preparation contributed in 9,8% of calcium and 3,8% of magnesium to their daily diet. Contribution of tap water in the intake of calcium and magnesium depended on the contents of these minerals in water, and amounted from 6,0% (< or = 68,3 mg calcium on dm3 water--1st quartile) to 14,8% (> 112 mg/dm3--4th quartile) for calcium and from 2,9% (< or = 10,9 mg/dm3) to 4,7% (> 15,4 mg/dm3) for magnesium. The contribution of iron, zinc, potassium and sodium was low, and not exceeded 2%. Comparing the average content of minerals in non-boiled and boiled tap water the cooking process influenced the levels of calcium (95,8 +/- 31,8 vs 89,7 +/- 31,1 mg/dm3), magnesium (12,1 +/- 3,24 vs. 12,7 +/- 3,04 mg/dm3), zinc (0,35 +/- 0,87 vs. 0,17 +/- 0,89 mg/dm3), potassium (3,31 +/- 2,67 vs. 3,66 +/- 4,18 mg/dm3) and sodium (23,2 +/- 15,4 vs. 25,9 +/- 17,2 mg/dm3). Nevertheless, from the nutritional point of view the differences in the concentrations of these minerals were insignificant. Conclusions. Drinking water can be an important source of calcium and magnesium in diet, wherein the amount of the supplied element depends on its content in drinking water used for preparing beverages and/or meals.

[Factors influenced vitamin or mineral supplements use in a chosen group of children aged 6-12]. / Czynniki warunkujace stosowanie suplementów diety zawierajacych witaminy i/lub skladniki mineralne w wybranej grupie dzieci w wieku 6-12 lat.

BACKGROUND: Due to growing popularity of food supplements the producers of such products introduce food supplements developed especially for children. This, as a consequence, may lead to a risk of exceeded intake of some nutrients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify determinants of vitamin/mineral supplements intake in 6-12-year-old children. METHOD: The study was conducted by questionnaire method among parents of 743 children attending primary schools. Dietary supplements during the year preceding the survey received 40% of children, while 16.7% on the tested day. RESULTS: It was found that women with secondary and higher education level more frequently reported use of such preparations by their children (43% and 40% respectively). Supplements received more children with moderate or slight deficient body weight (54.2%) compared to children with severe deficiency (29.7%) or obese (25.8%); children with chronic diseases (56%) compared to healthy (37%), participating in extracurricular sport activities (49%) compared to non-participating (35%) and children with more correct dietary habits. Simultaneously supplements and fortified products were used by 34% of children. CONCLUSIONS: . The decision of supplements use parents often undertook alone (67% of preparation), while only 31% of them after medical consultation. There is a need to educate children and their parents about the use of supplements and the risks associated with it.

The Association of Nutrition Quality with Frailty Syndrome among the Elderly.

Low diet quality among the elderly may be correlated with some diseases, including Frailty Syndrome (FS). This decline in function restricts the activity of older people, resulting in higher assistance costs. The aim of this study was to increase knowledge of diet quality predictors. Dietary intake was assessed among 196 individuals aged 60+ years using the three-day record method and FS by Fried's criteria. Based on the compliance with the intake recommendation (% of EAR/AI), we distinguished three clusters that were homogeneous in terms of the nutritional quality of the diet, using Kohonen's neural networks. The prevalence of frailty in the entire group was 3.1%, pre-frailty 38.8%, and non-frailty 58.1%. Cluster 1 (91 people with the lowest diet quality) was composed of a statistically significant higher number of the elderly attending day care centers (20.7%), frail (6.9%), pre-frail (51.7%), very low vitamin D intake (23.8% of AI), using sun cream during the summer months (always 19.8% or often 39.6%), having diabetes (20.7%), having leg pain when walking (43.1%), and deteriorating health during the last year (53.5%). The study suggests the need to take initiatives leading to the improvement of the diet of the elderly, especially in day care senior centers, where there are more frail individuals, including nutritional education for the elderly and their caregivers.

The Effect of Cement Addition on Water Vapour Resistance Factor of Rammed Earth.

The article aims to determine the effect of cement addition on the water vapour resistance factor of stabilized rammed earth. Literature analysis indicates that different earthen materials show large differences in water vapour resistance factor values. The high diffusion resistance of concrete concerning other construction materials suggests that cement will be one of the factors significantly affecting these values. The paper presents water vapour resistance factor test results of rammed earth with various soil particle sizes and cement contents. The obtained results showed that an increase of cement addition increases the diffusion resistance of the material. However, the diffusion resistance of cement stabilized rammed earth is still low compared to concrete.

The effect of iron and/or zinc diet supplementation and termination of this practice on the antioxidant status of the reproductive tissues and sperm viability in rats.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of iron or/and zinc supplementation and termination of this treatment on the antioxidant defence of the male reproductive system and sperm viability in rats. METHODS: The study consisted of 3 stages: I) 4-week adaptation to the diets (C-control or D-iron deficient); II) 4-week iron and/or zinc supplementation (10-times more than in the C diet of iron: CSFe, DSFe; zinc: CSZn, DSZn; or iron and zinc: CSFeZn, DSFeZn; and III) 2-week post-supplementation period (the same diets as during stage I). Parameters of antioxidant status (total antioxidant capacity and SOD, GPx, and CAT activiy), oxidative damage (lipid and protein peroxidation), and sperm viability were measured. RESULTS: Simultaneous iron and zinc supplementation compared to iron supplementation (CSFeZn vs CSFe) increased SOD activity in the testes and decreased the level of malondialdehyde in the epididymis after stage II, and increased the percentage of live sperm after stage III. After discontinuation of the iron and zinc supplementation and a return to the control diet, the following was observed a decrease of SOD activity in the testes and GPx activity in the epididymis, and a increase malondialdehyde concentration in prostates. After stage III, in DSFeZn vs DSFe rats, an increase of SOD and CAT activity in the epididymis was found. CONCLUSION: Zinc supplementation simultaneous with iron may protect the male reproductive system against oxidative damage induced by high doses of iron and may have a beneficial effect on sperm viability. The effect of this supplementation was observed even two weeks after the termination of the intervention.

Intake of Vitamins and Minerals From Voluntarily Fortified Foods and/or Dietary Supplements in School Adolescents in Central-Eastern Poland.

Background: The key issue is whether voluntarily fortified foods and vitamin/mineral supplements available on the market serve public health needs. The study aim was to estimate nutrient intakes from voluntarily fortified foods and vitamin/mineral supplements in relation to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) in adolescents (n = 759) aged 13-19 who attended public secondary schools in Central-Eastern Poland. Methods: Data on the consumption of voluntarily fortified foods were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire containing 58 food items. Data on the use of dietary supplements were assessed via an open-ended question. The content of nutrients was estimated using the producer's labeling declaration. The distribution of nutrient intakes according to the percentage of DRI categories (<20%, 20-39.9%, 40-59.9%, 60-79.9%, 80-99.9%, 100-119%, or >120%) was estimated. Results: Consumption of voluntarily fortified foods was a common behavior in adolescents (86.7% of participants), while vitamin/mineral supplements were used by less than one-fifth of them (17.7%). The amounts of nutrient intakes from fortified foods and/or supplements were at different levels: (I) vitamins A, D, calcium, magnesium (>50% of adolescents did not exceed 20% of DRI); (II) vitamins E, B12, iron (>50% of respondents consumed at least 20% of DRI); (III) niacin and pantothenic acid (>50% of respondents consumed at least 40% of DRI); IV) vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, folate, biotin (>50% of participants consumed at least 60% of DRI). In a subgroup of respondents who used fortified foods and supplements simultaneously (n = 126), some nutrients (i.e., vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, niacin, and biotin) were consumed in amounts ≥150% of DRI. Intake above the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels was observed for niacin, vitamin A, B6 and folic acid in individual cases (up to 1.1% of respondents); a higher risk of overconsumption was associated with using vitamin/mineral supplements than voluntarily fortified foods. Conclusion: Adolescents should be educated on how to reasonably use fortified foods and dietary supplements to help to overcome the potential deficiency of nutrients without causing excessive consumption.

Fighting Sarcopenia in Ageing European Adults: The Importance of the Amount and Source of Dietary Proteins.

While an adequate protein intake is important for the maintenance of muscle mass during ageing, the amount and source of protein necessary for optimal prevention of sarcopenia remains to be determined. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of the amount and source of dietary proteins on sarcopenia risk in a cohort of 65-79-year-old European adults within the frame of the NU-AGE study. A total of 986 participants were included in the analysis. Skeletal muscle index (SMI), assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and handgrip strength (HG) were employed to create a continuous sex-specific sarcopenia risk score (SRS). Total amount together with animal- and plant-derived sources of proteins were obtained from a 7-day food record. Differences in SRS were analysed across groups of total protein intake (<0.8 g/body weight (BW); 0.8-<1.0 g/BW; 1.0-<1.2 g/BW; and ≥1.2 g/BW). The association between SRS and the different sources of protein was assessed using isocaloric substitution models adjusted by demographic, medical, and lifestyle factors. A significant linear dose-response relationship was observed, with a lower SRS linked to higher protein intakes. Based on the isocaloric substitution modelling, a reduced SRS was observed when increasing plant protein to the detriment of animal protein, while holding total protein intake constant. Further, this result remained significant after stratifying the analysis by adherence to different levels of protein intake. Our findings suggest that older adults may benefit from increasing protein intakes above current recommendations. Besides total amount, protein source should be considered when promoting health dietary habits in older adults for the prevention of sarcopenia.

Dietary Fibre May Mitigate Sarcopenia Risk: Findings from the NU-AGE Cohort of Older European Adults.

Sarcopenia is characterised by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and physical function as well as related metabolic disturbances. While fibre-rich diets can influence metabolic health outcomes, the impact on skeletal muscle mass and function is yet to be determined, and the moderating effects by physical activity (PA) need to be considered. The aim of the present study was to examine links between fibre intake, skeletal muscle mass and physical function in a cohort of older adults from the NU-AGE study. In 981 older adults (71 ± 4 years, 58% female), physical function was assessed using the short-physical performance battery test and handgrip strength. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was derived using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Dietary fibre intake (FI) was assessed by 7-day food record and PA was objectively determined by accelerometery. General linear models accounting for covariates including PA level, protein intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS) were used. Women above the median FI had significantly higher SMI compared to those below, which remained in fully adjusted models (24.7 ± 0.2% vs. 24.2 ± 0.1%, p = 0.011, η2p = 0.012). In men, the same association was only evident in those without MetS (above median FI: 32.4 ± 0.3% vs. below median FI: 31.3 ± 0.3%, p = 0.005, η2p = 0.035). There was no significant impact of FI on physical function outcomes. The findings from this study suggest a beneficial impact of FI on skeletal muscle mass in older adults. Importantly, this impact is independent of adherence to guidelines for protein intake and PA, which further strengthens the potential role of dietary fibre in preventing sarcopenia. Further experimental work is warranted in order to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning the action of dietary fibre on the regulation of muscle mass.

One-year Mediterranean diet promotes epigenetic rejuvenation with country- and sex-specific effects: a pilot study from the NU-AGE project.

Mediterranean diet has been proposed to promote healthy aging, but its effects on aging biomarkers have been poorly investigated. We evaluated the impact of a 1-year Mediterranean-like diet in a pilot study including 120 elderly healthy subjects from the NU-AGE study (60 Italians, 60 Poles) by measuring the changes in their epigenetic age, assessed by Horvath's clock. We observed a trend towards epigenetic rejuvenation of participants after nutritional intervention. The effect was statistically significant in the group of Polish females and in subjects who were epigenetically older at baseline. A genome-wide association study of epigenetic age changes after the intervention did not return significant (adjusted p value < 0.05) loci. However, we identified small-effect alleles (nominal p value < 10-4), mapping in genes enriched in pathways related to energy metabolism, regulation of cell cycle, and of immune functions. Together, these findings suggest that Mediterranean diet can promote epigenetic rejuvenation but with country-, sex-, and individual-specific effects, thus highlighting the need for a personalized approach to nutritional interventions.

Beneficial Role of Replacing Dietary Saturated Fatty Acids with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Prevention of Sarcopenia: Findings from the NU-AGE Cohort.

Dietary fat subtypes may play an important role in the regulation of muscle mass and function during ageing. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of isocaloric macronutrient substitutions, including different fat subtypes, on sarcopenia risk in older men and women, while accounting for physical activity (PA) and metabolic risk. A total of 986 participants, aged 65-79 years, completed a 7-day food record and wore an accelerometer for a week. A continuous sex-specific sarcopenia risk score (SRS), including skeletal muscle mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and handgrip strength, was derived. The impact of the isocaloric replacement of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) by either mono- (MUFAs) or poly-unsaturated (PUFAs) fatty acids on SRS was determined using regression analysis based on the whole sample and stratified by adherence to a recommended protein intake (1.1 g/BW). Isocaloric reduction of SFAs for the benefit of PUFAs was associated with a lower SRS in the whole population, and in those with a protein intake below 1.1 g/BW, after accounting for age, smoking habits, metabolic disturbances, and adherence to PA guidelines. The present study highlighted the potential of promoting healthy diets with optimised fat subtype distribution in the prevention of sarcopenia in older adults.

Changing from a Western to a Mediterranean-style diet does not affect iron or selenium status: results of the New Dietary Strategies Addressing the Specific Needs of the Elderly Population for Healthy Aging in Europe (NU-AGE) 1-year randomized clinical trial in elderly Europeans.

BACKGROUND: Mediterranean diets limit red meat consumption and increase intakes of high-phytate foods, a combination that could reduce iron status. Conversely, higher intakes of fish, a good source of selenium, could increase selenium status. OBJECTIVES: A 1-y randomized controlled trial [New Dietary Strategies Addressing the Specific Needs of the Elderly Population for Healthy Aging in Europe (NU-AGE)] was carried out in older Europeans to investigate the effects of consuming a Mediterranean-style diet on indices of inflammation and changes in nutritional status. METHODS: Selenium and iron intakes and status biomarkers were measured at baseline and after 1 y in 1294 people aged 65-79 y from 5 European countries (France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United Kingdom) who had been randomly allocated either to a Mediterranean-style diet or to remain on their habitual, Western diet. RESULTS: Estimated selenium intakes increased significantly with the intervention group (P < 0.01), but were not accompanied by changes in serum selenium concentrations. Iron intakes also increased (P < 0.001), but there was no change in iron status. However, when stratified by study center, there were positive effects of the intervention on iron status for serum ferritin for participants in Italy (P = 0.04) and France (P = 0.04) and on soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) for participants in Poland (P < 0.01). Meat intake decreased and fish intake increased to a greater degree in the intervention group, relative to the controls (P < 0.01 for both), but the overall effects of the intervention on meat and fish intakes were mainly driven by data from Poland and France. Changes in serum selenium in the intervention group were associated with greater changes in serum ferritin (P = 0.01) and body iron (P = 0.01), but not sTfR (P = 0.73); there were no study center × selenium status interactions for the iron biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet for 1 y had no overall effect on iron or selenium status, although there were positive effects on biomarkers of iron status in some countries. The NU-AGE trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01754012.