RESUMEN
Lipid peroxidation index and antioxidant indicators were assessed by biochemical means in 193 healthy elderly volunteers (103 men and 90 women), ages 70-89 y and living freely in the Paris area. Lipid peroxidation index was in the same range as in young adults. Zinc, copper, and selenium levels were satisfactory and similar to those in young adults, though the range of copper values tended to be higher. Copper and selenium levels were higher in elderly women than in men. However, for selenium values this sex-related difference disappeared in elderly volunteers > 75 y. Copper-zinc-superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were similar to those in young adults, with no influence of sex or age. Vitamin E and total carotene, closely related to cholesterol levels, were satisfactory. Our findings show that markers of oxidative stress are not influenced by old age when good health and nutritional status are preserved, as in this selected population.
Asunto(s)
Biomarcadores , Peroxidación de Lípido , Estrés Oxidativo , Aptitud Física , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Cobre/sangre , Femenino , Glutatión Peroxidasa/sangre , Humanos , Lipoproteínas LDL/sangre , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Paris , Valores de Referencia , Selenio/sangre , Caracteres Sexuales , Superóxido Dismutasa/sangre , Sustancias Reactivas al Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/metabolismo , Zinc/sangreRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Nutritional status-related biological indexes were measured in fit, health-conscious elderly subjects in order to establish reference values for people over 70 years. SUBJECTS: 103 men and 90 women aged 70-89 years living freely in the Paris area volunteered to participate. METHODS: Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric and biochemical methods. RESULTS: Serum protein and amino acid status was similar to that of young adults, with only 5.2% of the elderly subjects showing transthyretin concentrations < 0.20 g/L, as well as decreased essential amino acid levels. Iron status, assessed in terms of serum and erythrocyte ferritin levels, total iron binding capacity and erythrocyte protoporphyrin tended to be satisfactory, but iron depletion was detected in 8.8% of the subjects. Serum ferritin levels were elevated in 19.7% of the subjects. Folate and vitamin B12 status was satisfactory, while hypovitaminosis D was observed in 48.2% of cases. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that, in aging uncomplicated by disease, nutritional status is similar to that in younger adults, although the range of values tended to be wider, with a higher risk of certain nutrient deficiencies.