Impact of age, anthropometric data and body composition on calcaneal bone characteristics, as measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in an older German population.

The impact of fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), body mass index (BMI), body mass and body height on calcaneal bone characteristics as measured with quantitative ultrasound (QUS) was investigated in 137 women and 85 men aged 62-92 years, considering age, smoking, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and physical activity level (PAL). In regression analyses using various models, in women, age was a negative predictor of speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and stiffness index (SI) and smoking was a negative predictor of SOS; positive predictors of SOS, BUA, and SI were BMI, body mass and FFM. In men, smoking was a negative predictor and BMI, body mass and FFM were positive predictors of BUA and SI. In both sexes, PAL, body height, WHR and FM had no effect on QUS parameters. The influence of BMI on calcaneal bone characteristics in elderly people depends on FFM rather than on FM.

Effect of antioxidant vitamins on the plasma homocysteine level in a free-living elderly population.

BACKGROUND: The factors influencing total plasma homocysteine levels (tHcy) are of special interest in the attempt to reduce cardiovascular risk. AIM: This investigation aimed to assess the independent effects of antioxidant vitamins on tHcy in elderly people. METHODS: Our cross-sectional analysis included data of 184 subjects (≥60 years) from the longitudinal study in an aging population in Giessen (GISELA), Germany. We examined the effects of plasma levels, intake and supplementation of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ß-carotene on tHcy. RESULTS: The mean tHcy was within the normal range in this population. Serum folate, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and plasma vitamin C showed a negative association with tHcy in simple regression analysis. In a subsequent multiple regression analysis, eGFR, serum folate, and plasma vitamin C were the relevant independent predictors of tHcy. Intake and supplementation of vitamin C, as well as plasma levels, intake and supplementation of vitamin E, and ß-carotene were not associated with tHcy. CONCLUSION: Vitamin C may be an independent predictor of tHcy in free-living elderly people and, therefore, should be considered in attempts to reduce tHcy.