Studies from Tufts University, Department of Agriculture yield new information about aging

NewsRx.com

10-19-07

"' Homebound elderly are at increased risk for micronutrient deficiencies and nutritional status in this population has not been adequately described (see also Aging). There is evidence for beneficial effects of multivitamin use and a greater understanding of their nutritional contribution could identify behaviors that may help alleviate excess chronic disease," scientists in the United States report.

"The purpose of this analysis is to investigate, in a racially diverse group of homebound elders, the association of multivitamin use with measures of plasma B vitamin concentrations. We examined the cross-sectional association between multivitamin use and plasma concentrations of B vitamins and homocysteine in 236 white and 182 black homebound elders (65-99y). Dietary intake was assessed and demographic and health information was ascertained. White and black elders had a high prevalence of dietary intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement for folate (38.1 and 40.7%), vitamin B6 (16.9 and 19.2%.), and vitamin B12 (3 and 3.9%) respectively. Multivitamin use was associated with higher mean plasma B vitamin concentrations in each group. In whites, multivitamin users had higher concentrations of vitamin B6 (64.6 vs. 32.4 nmol/L; p<0.001), vitamin B12 (398 vs. 324 pmol/L;p <0.001) and folate (39.4 vs. 30.4 nmol/L;p <0.001). Black multivitamin users had higher concentrations of vitamin B6 (53.7 vs. 29.5 nmol/L; p<0.001), B12 (427 vs. 372 pmol/L; p<0.05) and folate (35.7 vs. 25.4 nmol/L;p <0.001) than non-users," wrote J.S. Buell and colleagues, Tufts University, Department of Agriculture.

The researchers concluded: "Multivitamin supplementation was associated with higher mean plasma concentrations of vitamins B6, B12, and folate and lower prevalence of low plasma B vitamin status in a biracial homebound elderly population."

Buell and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Nutrition Health & Aging (Multivitamin use and B vitamin status in a homebound elderly population. Journal of Nutrition Health & Aging, 2007;11(4):299-303).

For additional information, contact K.L. Tucker, Tufts University, Jean Mayer Dept. of Agriculture, Human Nutrition Research Center Aging, 711 Washington St. 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02111, USA.

The publisher's contact information for the Journal of Nutrition Health & Aging is: Serdi Edition, 320 Rue Saint-Honore, Paris, 75001, France.

Keywords: United States, Boston, Aging, Alternative Medicine, Regulatory Actions, Therapy, Treatment, Tufts University, Department of Agriculture.

This article was prepared by Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA via NewsRx.com.

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