Effects of aging on nutrition and immune function among elderly men / 中华老年医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To analyze changes in nutritional status and immune function of elderly men receiving regular physical examinations, and to investigate the effects of aging on the nutritional status and immune function among elderly men.Methods:A total of 209 elderly men aged 60-101(72.9±11.5)years and receiving regular physical check-ups were enrolled.All research subjects were subjected to nutritional risk screening(NRS2002)and monitoring of nutrition and immune-related indicators, including routine blood work, blood biochemistry, immunoglobulin and T lymphocyte subsets.Results:Body weight, body mass index, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin and serum iron of elderly men decreased with age( F=21.754, 6.257, 47.528, 12.285, 18.397, 18.667, all P<0.001), with those aged 80 and above showing more significant decline and a greater proportion with malnutrition( χ2=77.134, P<0.001). The B lymphocyte counts of elderly men aged 80 and above were significantly lower( P<0.05)while serum IgA and IgG levels were significantly higher( F=3.110, 3.866, P=0.047, 0.022)than those of the 70-79 year old group.In addition, the B lymphocyte count and B lymphocyte ratio in malnourished elderly men were significantly lower( t=2.512, 2.874, P=0.013, 0.005), and IgA was significantly increased( t=2.513, P=0.017), compared with those with normal nutrition. Conclusions:The risk of malnutrition and reduced immune function among elderly men aged 80 years and above is significantly increased, and assessment and screening of the risk of malnutrition in the elderly should be stressed.