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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #273509
Title: Challenges and new opportunities for clinical nutrition interventions in the aged

Author
item JOHNSON, MARY ANN - University Of Georgia
item DWYER, JOHANNA - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University
item JENSEN, GORDON - Pennsylvania State University
item MILLER, JOSHUA - University Of California
item SPEAKMAN, JOHN - University Of Aberdeen
item STARKE-REED, PAMELA - US Department Of Health And Human Services (HHS)
item VOLPI, ELENA - University Of Texas

Submitted to: Journal of Nutrition
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/15/2010
Publication Date: 1/26/2011
Citation: Johnson, M., Dwyer, J.T., Jensen, G.L., Miller, J.W., Speakman, J.R., Starke-Reed, P., Volpi, E. 2011. Challenges and new opportunities for clinical nutrition interventions in the aged. Journal of Nutrition. 141:535-541.

Interpretive Summary: Nutritional concerns of older persons adversely impact upon health, function and life quality. Nutritional status plays a critical role in the prevention and management of many chronic health conditions that are common in the elderly and are likely to become more prevalent as the population ages. This paper highlights several aspects of nutrition that require additional basic science and clinical application research to improve the health and well-being of older adults. Topics addressed are selected demographic and health indices, the uncertain benefits of energy restriction in aged humans compared to other species, the impact of food insecurity on health, the relationship between dietary protein and sarcopenia, the prevention and management of obesity while maintaining muscle mass and functional status, and controversy regarding high intakes of folic acid. Research needs regarding the safety, efficacy, and application of clinical interventions related to these topics are presented.

Technical Abstract: Nutritional status plays a critical role in the prevention and management of many chronic health conditions that are common in the elderly and are likely to become more prevalent as the population ages. This paper highlights several aspects of nutrition that require additional basic science and clinical application research to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults. Topics addressed are selected demographic and health indices, the uncertain benefits of energy restriction in aged humans compared with other species, the impact of food insecurity on health, the relationship between dietary protein and sarcopenia, the prevention and management of obesity while maintaining muscle mass and functional status, and controversy regarding high intakes of folic acid. Research needs regarding the safety, efficacy, and application of clinical interventions related to these topics also are discussed.