Extensive laboratory assessment of nutritional status in fit, health-conscious, elderly people living in the Paris area. Research Group on Aging.

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.