Association between lifestyle-related disorders and visceral fat mass in Japanese males: a hospital based cross-sectional study

Objective

This study aimed to examine the association between lifestyle-related disorders and visceral fat mass, and to estimate an appropriate cutoff value for visceral fat mass that correlated with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC).

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2012 and August 2013 at Bange Kosei General Hospital, in Fukushima, Japan. All study participants were adult males who had completed voluntary medical check-ups that included estimation of visceral fat mass by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Participants were without past histories of atherosclerotic complications or were not currently taking medications for lifestyle-related disorders. Multivariate analysis was performed to estimate the association between lifestyle-related disorders and quartiles of visceral fat mass.

Results

Of 536 total respondents, 442 were included in the analysis. Mean participant age was 56 years, and mean values of BMI, WC, and visceral fat mass were 24.1 kg/m², 85.9 cm, and 2.1 kg, respectively. Visceral fat mass ≥1.8 kg was positively associated with an increased prevalence of dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and impaired glucose tolerance. Cutoff values that correlated with visceral fat mass (≥1.8 kg) were 85.3 cm for WC and 23.25 kg/m² for BMI.

Conclusion

Visceral fat mass ≥1.8 kg was positively associated with lifestyle-related disorders and closely related to WC and BMI cutoff values used to diagnose obesity. BIA may be a useful method for assessing visceral fat mass, and these findings provide important evidence for the use of BIA in the early detection of central obesity for preventing lifestyle-related disorders.     

Leg fat might be more protective than arm fat in relation to lipid profile

Purpose

The objective of this study was to determine the independent relationships of trunk fat, leg fat and arm fat to cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors, after controlling for relevant confounders such as fat mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness and objectively measured physical activity.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study involving 683 university students, aged 18–30 years. Total and regional body fat distribution was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The associations of trunk, leg and arm fat with CVD risk factors (triglycerides-TG-, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol-HDL-c-, TG/HDL-c ratio, HOMA_IR, mean arterial pressure, C-reactive protein) were examined using regression linear models, controlling for age, sex, fat mass index [total body fat(kg)/height(m²)], maximal oxygen consumption and physical activity by accelerometer.

Results

After controlling for fat mass index, and other confounders, higher levels of trunk fat were found to be associated with a poorer lipid profile, while higher levels of leg fat were found to be associated with a better lipid profile. We did not find any association between arm fat and lipid profile after controlling for total fatness and other confounders. Neither trunk, leg or arm fat was found to be related to insulin resistance, blood pressure or inflammation markers.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the region where fat is accumulated might have a differential effect on lipid profile: trunk fat has an adverse effect, leg fat has a protective effect, and arm fat has no effect. The differences observed between upper- and lower-body peripheral fat depots should be further explored.     

Estimation of lean body weight in older women with hip fracture

Objective

Lean body weight (LBW) decreases with age while total body fat increases, resulting in altered drug pharmacokinetics. A semi-mechanistic equation estimating LBW using height, weight and sex has been developed for potential use across a wide range of body compositions. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of the LBW equation to estimate dual energy x-ray absorptiometry-derived fat free mass (FFM_DXA) in a population of older women with recent hip fracture.

Methods

Baseline, four and 12 month data obtained from 23 women enrolled in the Sarcopenia and Hip Fracture study were pooled to give 58 measurements. LBW was estimated using the equation: $LBW(kg) = \frac{{9270 \times Wt}} {{8780 + (244 \times BMI)}} $ Body composition was classified as: ??normal?? (BMI <25kg/m² and not sarcopenic), ??overweight-obese?? (BMI >25kg/m² and not sarcopenic), ??sarcopenic?? (sarcopenic and BMI <25kg/m²), or ??sarcopenic-obese?? (sarcopenic and BMI >25kg/m²). The ability of the LBW equation to predict FFM_DXA was determined graphically using Bland-Altman plots and quantitatively using the method of Sheiner and Beal.

Results

The mean ± SD age of female participants women was 83±7 years (n=23). Sarcopenia was frequently observed (65.2%). Bland-Altman plots demonstrated an underestimation by the LBW equation compared to FFM_DXA. The bias (95% CI) and precision (95% CI) calculated using the method of Sheiner and Beal was 0.5kg (?0.7, 1.66kg) and 4.4kg (?3.7, 12.4kg) respectively for pooled data.

Conclusion

This equation can be used to easily calculate LBW. When compared to FFM_DXA, the LBW equation resulted in a small underestimation on average in this population of women with recent hip fracture. The degree of bias may not be clinically important although further studies of larger heterogeneous cohorts are needed to investigate and potentially improve the accuracy of this predictive equation in larger clinical cohorts.     

Age-related changes in body composition in a sample of Czech women aged 18–89 years: a cross-sectional study

Background

The Czech Republic lacks body composition data for women. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to analyze body composition [body fat mass (BFM), fat-free mass (FFM), body fat percentage (%BFM) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)] and to evaluate the changes that occur with aging in women aged 18–89 years. We also analyzed anthropometric characteristics of study participants and developed age-specific percentile curves for body composition parameters.

Methods

A cross-sectional, non‐randomized study was conducted with a sample of 1,970 apparently healthy Czech women. Body composition was measured using a direct segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BSM-BIA).

Results

The mean BFM was 19.7 ± 8.9 kg, and BFM reached its peak in women over 70, at 27.6 ± 8.8 kg. There was a strong correlation between BFM and age (r = 0.61; r ² = 0.37). Fifty percent of the women in the study had a BFM between 13.0 and 25.0 kg. The %BFM (r = 0.69; r ² = 0.47) and VAT (r = 0.88; r ² = 0.77) were also significantly associated with age. The reference range for %BFM was 22.0–35.6 % (25th–75th percentile). The mean FFM was 45.8 ± 5.5 kg, and FFM decreased with age (r = ?0.27; r ² = 0.07).

Conclusions

The results presented in this study showed a statistically significant increase in BFM,  %BFM and VFA as age increased, and the values reached their peak in women over 70. Even when FFM decreased slightly with age, body weight increased because of the increase in BFM.     

Impact of body mass index on the relationship between muscle quality and physical function in older women

Objectives

To investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) (normal weight, overweight, obese) on the relationship between muscle quality (MQ) and physical function in community-dwelling older women.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

University research laboratory.

Participants

Community-dwelling older women (n = 94, 73.6 ± 5.4 y) stratified by BMI (normal weight: 20.0–24.9 kg/m²; overweight: 25.0–29.9 kg/m²; obese: ≥ 30.0 kg/m²).

Measurements

Body mass index using height and weight, leg extension power via the Nottingham power rig, body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and physical function (6-minute walk, 8-foot up-and-go, 30-second chair stand). Muscle quality was defined as leg power (watts) normalized for lower-body mineral-free lean mass (kg).

Results

Following adjustments for covariates, muscle quality was significantly higher in women of normal BMI compared to overweight (10.0 ± 0.4 vs 8.7 ± 0.4 watts/kg, p = 0.03). Muscle quality was a significant predictor of performance on the 6-minute walk and 8-foot up-and-go in normal and overweight women (all p < 0.05) and performance on the 30-second chair stand in normal and obese women (both p < 0.05). Body mass index did not significantly impact the association between MQ and physical function (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Muscle quality varies by BMI, yet the relationship to physical function is not significantly different across BMI groups. The results imply that interventions that increase MQ in older women may improve physical function, regardless of BMI.     

Effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) consumption on the components of metabolic syndrome in elderly

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the consumption of green tea on components of MS in the elderly.

Design

Intervention study.

Setting

The sample was selected from the Geriatric Service of Hospital S?o Lucas of Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul.

Participants

45 elderly with MS were enrolled and allocated into two groups: green tea group (GTG, n = 24), who drank green tea and control group (CG, n= 21) without intervention.

Intervention

The GTG received sachets of 1.0 g of green tea, and should drink three cups per day for 60 days and the CG was instructed not to make changes in their lifestyle.

Measurements

The diagnostic criteria for MS used were the International Diabetes Federation. The lipidic and glycemie profile, and anthropometric measurements were evaluated before and after intervention.

Results

There was a statistically significant weight loss only in GTG [71.5±12.6 kg to 70.3±12.6 kg (p<0.001)]. A statistically significant decrease in BMI [?0.5±0.4 kg/m² in GTG and ?0.2±0.6 kg/m² in CG (P=0.032)] and waist circumference [?2.2±2.0 cm in GTG and ? 0.3±1.8 cm in CG (P=0.002)] were observed. The intake of green tea did not change the biochemical parameters.

Conclusion

The consumption of green tea was effective in inducing weight loss, reducing BMI and waist circumference in the elderly with MS.     

Comparison of skeletal muscle mass to fat-free mass ratios among different ethnic groups

Background

Asians seem to have less skeletal muscle mass (SMM) than other ethnic groups, but it is not clear whether relative SMM, i.e., SMM / height square or SMM to fat-free mass (FFM) ratio, differs among different ethnic groups at the same level of body mass index (BMI).

Objective

To compare the SMM to fat-free mass (FFM) ratio as well as anthropometric variables and body composition among 3 ethnic groups.

Design, setting, and participants

Three hundred thirty-nine Japanese, 343 Brazilian, and 183 German men and women were recruited for this cross-sectional study.

Measurements

Muscle thickness (MTH) and subcutaneous fat thickness (FTH) were measured by ultrasound at nine sites on the anterior and posterior aspects of the body. FTH was used to estimate the body density, from which fat mass and fat-free mass (FFM) was calculated by using Brozek equation. Total SMM was estimated from ultrasound-derived prediction equations.

Results

Percentage body fat was similar among the ethnic groups in men, while Brazilians were higher than Japanese in women. In German men and women, absolute SMM and FFM were higher than in their Japanese and Brazilians counterparts. SMM index and SMM:FFM ratios were similar among the ethnic groups in women, excluding SMM:FFM ratio in Brazilian. In men, however, these relative values (SMM index and SMM:FFM ratio) were still higher in Germans. After adjusting for age and BMI, the SMM index and SMM:FFM ratios were lower in Brazilian men and women compared with the other two ethnic groups, while the SMM index and SMM:FFM ratios were similar in Japanese and German men and women, excluding SMM:FFM ratio in women.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that relative SMM is not lower in Asian populations compared with European populations after adjusted by age and BMI.     

Moderate effects of apple juice consumption on obesity-related markers in obese men: impact of diet–gene interaction on body fat content

Purpose

The effect of polyphenol-rich cloudy apple juice (CloA) consumption on plasma parameters related to the obesity phenotype and potential effects of interactions between CloA and allelic variants in obesity candidate genes were assessed in obese men.

Methods

In this controlled, randomized, and parallel study, n?=?68, non-smoking, non-diabetic men with a BMI ≥27?kg/m² received 750?mL/day CloA (802.5?mg polyphenols) or 750?mL/day control beverage (CB, isocaloric equivalent to CloA) for 4?weeks. Further, study participants were genotyped for single-nucleotide polymorphisms in PPARγ (rs1801282), UCP3 (rs1800849), IL-6 (rs1800795), FABP2 (rs1799883), INSIG2 (rs7566605), and PGC1 (rs8192678) genes. At the beginning and at the end of intervention plasma lipids, distinct adipokines and cytokines as well as anthropometric parameters were determined.

Results

CloA compared to CB had no significant effect on plasma lipids, plasma adipokine and cytokine levels, BMI, and waist circumference. However, CloA consumption significantly reduced percent body fat compared to CB (? % body fat: CloA: ?1.0?±?1.3 vs. CB: ?0.2?±?0.9, p?Conclusion The observed diet–gene interaction might be a first indication for the impact of individual genetic background on CloA-mediated bioactivity on obesity-associated comorbidities.     

Extrinsic and intrinsic regulation of DOR/TP53INP2 expression in mice: effects of dietary fat content, tissue type and sex in adipose and muscle tissues

Background

A growing body of research suggests that regular consumption of dairy foods may counteract obesity and other components of the metabolic syndrome. However, human intervention trials are lacking. We aimed to determine the cardiometabolic health effects of increasing the consumption of reduced fat dairy foods in adults with habitually low dairy intakes in the absence of energy restriction.

Methods

An intervention trial was undertaken in 61 overweight or obese adults who were randomly assigned to a high dairy diet (HD, 4 serves of reduced fat dairy/day) or a low dairy control diet (LD, ??1 serve/day) for 6 months then crossed over to the alternate diet for a further 6 months. A range of anthropometric and cardiometabolic parameters including body composition, metabolic rate, blood lipids, blood pressure and arterial compliance were assessed at the end of each diet phase.

Results

Total energy intake was 1120 kJ/day higher during the HD phase, resulting in slight weight gain during this period. However, there were no significant differences between HD and LD in absolute measures of waist circumference, body weight, fat mass or any other cardiometabolic parameter.

Conclusion

Recommended intakes of reduced fat dairy products may be incorporated into the diet of overweight adults without adversely affecting markers of cardiometabolic health.

Trial Registration

The trial was registered with the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12608000538347) on 24th October, 2008.     

Validity of self-reported BMI in older adults and an adjustment model

Study objectives

To determine reporting bias of self-reported vs. measured anthropometrics (body weight, height, body mass index, BMI), and to adjust self-reported BMI regarding the bias.

Methods

We compared self-reported with measured anthropometrics utilizing 659 control persons (age mean 68; range 37 to 80 years) from a case-control stroke study. The Bland-Altman approach examined the agreement between self-reported and measured values. A linear model was applied to correct the bias dependent on sex, age and self-reported BMI.

Results

Under-reporting of weight and over-reporting of height was found. On average, this resulted in lower self-reported BMIs by 1.0 kg/m² in men, 1.2 kg/m² in women (p?<?0.001). Bias correction of self-reported BMIs was derived from self-reported BMI (p?<?0.001), age (p?<?0.001), age-BMI interaction (p?<?0.001) and sex (p?<?0.05). Under-estimation of correct BMI resulted in the under-estimation of an overweight prevalence, with relatively low sensitivity regarding self-reported values (88 %). Our estimates should be recalibrated, if applied to other studies.

Conclusion

Self-reported anthropometric measures are systematically biased despite high correlations with measured values. A correction removes the average bias and improves accuracy.     

The anthropometric status of elderly women in rural Ghana and factors associated with low body mass index

Objectives

To describe the anthropometric and physical status of a sample of elderly women in rural Ghana and examine factors associated with a low body mass index (BMI).

Design

A cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Two rural villages in Ashanti Region, Ghana.

Participants

Fifty-nine elderly women aged 60 to 92 years.

Measurements

The weight, height, half armspan and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of each woman was measured; body mass index (BMI) and body mass for armspan (BMA) were calculated. The state of each woman??s teeth and visual acuity was assessed. Data on food security, eating habits and socio-economic status were collected by questionnaire.

Results

41% (95%CI 27.8, 53.6) of women were underweight and 16.9% (95%CI 7.18, 26.8) were overweight or obese. Factors associated with a low BMI (<18.5 kg/m²) were: age (P=0.001), chewing tobacco (P=0.002), drinking alcohol (P=0.012), a visual acuity score of <30% (P=0.038), using a walking aid (P=0.016) and the number of children who gave the women cash (P=0.005). BMI was strongly positively correlated with BMA (r=0.999, P<0.001) and with MUAC (r=0.91, P<0.001), and a BMI of 18.5 was equivalent to a MUAC of about 23cm.

Conclusion

Elderly women in Ghana with poor teeth and eyesight are at risk of undernutrition. Measurements of MUAC, which is simple, or BMA, which is based on weight and half armspan and is more easily measured and calculated than height and BMI, could be used to identify undernourished elderly women in rural Africa.     

Accuracy and measures of association of anthropometric indexes of obesity to identify the presence of hypertension in adults: a population-based study in Southern Brazil

Purpose

This study proposes to examine the accuracy of four anthropometric indexes of obesity to identify the presence of hypertension and assess differences in the estimation and strength of effect measures of the association between each anthropometric measure and hypertension in Brazilian adults.

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 1,720 adults from Florianópolis, Brazil. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to identify the sensitivity and specificity of the best cutoff values for anthropometric indexes (body mass index—BMI, waist circumference—WC, waist-to height ratio—WHtR and conicity index—C-index) for prediction of hypertension. The associations between anthropometric indexes and hypertension were analyzed by Poisson regression expressed as Prevalence Ratios (95% CI) adjusted for socio-demographic variables, health behavior, height, and anthropometric indexes.

Results

Of the four anthropometric indexes studied, BMI, WC, and WHtR were found to have the largest areas under the ROC curve relative to hypertension in both sexes. The cutoff values in women and men associated with presence of hypertension were BMI of 24.9 and 24.6 kg/m², WC of 86.2 and 89.5 cm, WHtR of 0.49 and 0.50, and C-index of 1.15 and 1.18, respectively. WC and BMI had greater magnitude of association with presence of hypertension, adjusting for socio-demographic variables, health behavior, height, and anthropometric indexes in women and men, respectively.

Conclusions

Anthropometric indexes provide an effective, simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive means for a first-level screening for hypertension.     

Prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia among elderly in Brazil: Findings from the SABE study

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia in older residents in São Paulo, Brazil.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

São Paulo, Brazil.

Participants

1,149 older individuals from the second wave of the Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento (SABE) study from 2006.

Measurements

The definition of sarcopenia was based on the consensus of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), which include three components: low muscle mass, assessed by a skeletal muscle mass index of ≤8.90kg/m² for men and ≤6.37kg/m² for women; low muscle strength, assessed by handgrip strength <30kg for men and <20kg for women; and low physical performance, assessed by gait speed <0.8m/s. Diagnosis of sarcopenia required presence of low muscle mass plus low muscle strength or low physical performance. Socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics, medical conditions and nutritional status were considered as independent variables to determine the associated factors using a logistic regression model.

Results

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 16.1% in women and 14.4% in men. Advanced age with a dose response effect, cognitive impairment, lower income, smoking, undernutrition and risk for undernutrition (p<0.05) were factors associated with sarcopenia.

Conclusions

The EWGSOP algorithm is useful to define sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia in the Brazilian elderly population is high and several associated factors show that this syndrome is affected by multiple domains. No differences were observed by gender in any age groups.     

Prediction of fat-free mass by bioelectrical impedance analysis in older adults from developing countries: A cross-validation study using the deuterium dilution method

Objective

Several limitations of published bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) equations have been reported. The aims were to develop in a multiethnic, elderly population a new prediction equation and cross-validate it along with some published BIA equations for estimating fat-free mass using deuterium oxide dilution as the reference method.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional study of elderly from five developing countries.

Methods

Total body water (TBW) measured by deuterium dilution was used to determine fat-free mass (FFM) in 383 subjects. Anthropometric and BIA variables were also measured. Only 377 subjects were included for the analysis, randomly divided into development and cross-validation groups after stratified by gender. Stepwise model selection was used to generate the model and Bland Altman analysis was used to test agreement.

Results

FFM = 2.95 ? 3.89 (Gender) + 0.514 (Ht2/Z) + 0.090 (Waist) + 0.156 (Body weight). The model fit parameters were an R², total F-Ratio, and the SEE of 0.88, 314.3, and 3.3, respectively. None of the published BIA equations met the criteria for agreement. The new BIA equation underestimated FFM by just 0.3 kg in the cross-validation sample. The mean of the difference between FFM by TBW and the new BIA equation were not significantly different; 95% of the differences were between the limits of agreement of -6.3 to 6.9 kg of FFM. There was no significant association between the mean of the differences and their averages (r= 0.008 and p= 0.2).

Conclusions

This new BIA equation offers a valid option compared with some of the current published BIA equations to estimate FFM in elderly subjects from five developing countries.     

Nutritional predictors of cognitive impairment severity in demented elderly patients: The key role of BMI

Introduction

The body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to assess nutritional status and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a validated tool for assessing cognitive status in elderly people. Nutritional and cognitive aspects are closely related in dementia.

Objectives

To establish whether BMI predicts cognitive decline in demented patients and whether an ??alarm?? BMI cut-off exists for declining MMSE scores.

Subjects and methods

82 elderly demented patients underwent clinical, bio-chemical and functional assessment.

Design

Transversal study.

Results

The mean BMI was 26.08±4.48 kg/m₂ and the mean MMSE 18.68±5.38. Patients with BMI<25 kg/m₂ had significantly lower MMSE scores (16.5±5.53 vs 20.38±4.64; p 0.001), fat-free mass (FFM; 27.76±8.99 vs 37.38±10.58 kg; p<0.001), fat-free mass index (FFMI; 11.52±3.03 vs 14.67±2.89 kg/m₂; p<0.001), and fat mass (FM; 24.90±6.89 vs 36.86±6.77 kg; p<0.001), as well as lower Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores (23.80±2.50 vs 25.00±2.29; p=0.03) and higher vitamin B12 levels (460.95±289.80 vs 332.43±82.07 pg/ml; p=0.01). In the sample as a whole, MMSE scores significantly correlated with scores for MNA (r=0.27, p=0.01), FFM (r=0.27, p=0.01), BMI (r=0.19, p=0.05), ADL (r=0.28, p=0.01) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL; r=0.34, p=0.002). On multiple logistic regression, BMI<25 kg/m₂ was independently associated with the risk of moderate-severe cognitive impairment (OR=2.96; 95% CI; 1.16?C7.55) and female gender was independently associated with severity of dementia (OR=3.14; 95% CI; 1.09?C9.03).

Conclusion

BMI seems to indicate global health status in elderly demented people and a BMI of 25 kg/m² can be considered an ??alarm?? cutoff, lower values coinciding with a worse cognitive status based on MMSE scores.     

Diet,weight, cytokines and bone health in postmenopausal women

Objectives

To investigate diet and nutrition-related factors associated with bone loss in a group of postmenopausal (PM) women. Nutritional intake, inflammatory markers and body composition (weight, body mass index, fat/lean mass) were analysed for associations with bone mineral density (BMD).

Design

A cross sectional study examining correlations between BMD (Duel-energy X ray absorptiometry; (DXA) and dietary intake (3-day diaries), body composition and plasma bone and inflammatory markers: C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and procollagen type I N propeptide (P1NP), C- reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 and 10 (IL-6, IL-10), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and osteoprotegerin (OPG).

Setting

Community dwelling women from the Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu regions in New Zealand.

Participants

142 healthy, PM women aged 50–70 years.

Results

OPG (per kilogram fat mass) was increased in women with osteoporosis (p<0.001) compared to groups classified with normal BMD and osteopenia. Protein, vitamin B12, zinc, potassium and dairy intake were all positively correlated with higher BMD while dairy and potassium intakes also inversely correlated with CTX. Body composition (weight, BMI and fat/lean mass) had strong positive associations with BMD. Multiple regression analysis showed body weight, potassium and dairy intake were predictors of increased BMD in PM women and explained 39% (r²=0.39, p< 0.003) of variance.

Conclusion

BMD was negatively correlated with OPG and positively with weight, dairy and potassium intake. This study highlights the importance of maintaining adequate body weight and emphasising dairy and potassium predominantly sourced from fruit/vegetables to reduce bone loss at midlife.     

Is meeting the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein related to body composition among older adults?: Results from the Cardiovascular Health of Seniors and Built Environment Study

Objective

Studies suggest protein intake may be associated with lower body weight, but protein has also been associated with preservation of lean body mass. Understanding the role of protein in maintaining health for older adults is important for disease prevention among this population.

Design

Cross-sectional study of the relationship of dietary protein on body composition.

Setting

New York City community centers.

Participants

1,011 Black, White, and Latino urban men and women 60-99 years of age.

Measurements

Protein intake was assessed using two interviewer-administered 24-hour recalls, and body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) of fat mass (kg) (FM), fat free mass (kg) (FFM), and impedance resistance (Ohms).

Statistical Analysis

Indices of FM and FFM were calculated by dividing BIA measurements by height squared (m²), and percent FFM was calculated by dividing FFM by the sum of FM and FFM. Log linear models adjusting for age (continuous), race/ethnicity, education, physical activity (dichotomized at the median), hypertension, diabetes, and total calories (continuous).

Results

Just 33% of women and 50% of men reported meeting the RDA for protein. Both fat free mass index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI) were negatively associated with meeting the RDA for protein (Women: FFMI -1.78 95%CI [-2.24, -1.33], FMI -4.12 95% CI [-4.82, -3.42]; Men: FFMI -1.62 95% CI [-2.32, -0.93] FMI -1.80 95% CI [-2.70, -0.89]). After accounting for confounders, women and men consuming at least 0.8 g/kg/day had a 6.2% (95% CI: 5.0%, 7.4%) and a 3.2% (95% CI 1.1%, 5.3%) higher percent fat free mass, respectively.

Conclusions

FFM, FFMI, FM, and FMI were inversely related to meeting the RDA for protein. Meeting the RDA for protein of at least 0.8g/kg/day was associated with a higher percentage of fat free mass among older adults. These results suggest meeting the protein recommendations of at least 0.8 g/kg/day may help to promote lower overall body mass, primarily through loss of fat mass rather than lean mass.

     

The relationship between lean mass,muscle strength and physical ability in independent healthy elderly women from the community

Background/Objectives

The association between muscle mass, strength and physical performance has been established in the elderly with co-morbidities. In this study, lean and fat mass, bone mineral density, knee extension and flexion strength and physical ability tests in healthy independent elderly women were investigated. Main determinants of lean mass, strength and physical ability were determined searching for predictors of healthy aging.

Methods

A total of 100 healthy women aged ≥ 65 years considered independent and active were invited. Bone mass and body composition were assessed by DXA. The strength of the lower limb was assessed by isokinetic dynamometry, and physical ability was measured by: Timed Up and Go (TUG), Berg Balance Test (BBT) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI).

Results

Women were on average 70.8±4.92 years old, had BMI of 27.38±5.11 kg/m2 and fat mass of 26.96±9.62 kg or 40.65±8.06%. Total lean mass and appendicular lean mass (ALM) were 35.38±4.83 kg and 15.32±2.26 kg, respectively, while relative skeletal mass index (RSMI) was 6.51±0.77 kg/m2. Age did not correlate significantly with ALM. Age and ALM were the main determinants of the strength of the lower limb (p<0.001) while age and strength of the lower limb were significantly associated with the performance on the physical tests (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Age has a negative impact on the strength and the physical performance in independent healthy women without co-morbidities. Physical ability tests are positively influenced by the strength of the lower limb. These relationships suggest that muscle strength should be the parameter to be prioritized when preparing for healthy aging.     

Adequate dietary protein is associated with better physical performance among post-menopausal women 60–90 years

Objectives: Objectives

Sarcopenia, the involuntary loss of skeletal muscle with age, affects up to onequarter of older adults. Evidence indicates a positive association between dietary protein intake and lean muscle mass and strength among older persons, but information on dietary protein's effect on physical performance in older adults has received less attention.

Design

Cross-sectional observational analysis of the relationship of dietary protein on body composition and physical performance.

Setting

Clinical research center.

Participants

387 healthy women aged 60–90 years (mean 72.7 ± 7.0 y).

Measurements

Measures included body composition (fat-free mass, appendicular skeletal mass and fat mass) via dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), physical performance (Physical Performance Test [PPT] and Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]), handgrip strength, Physical Activity Scale in the Elderly (PASE), quality of life measure (SF-8), falls, fractures, nutrient and macromolecule intake (four-day food record). Independent samples t-tests determined mean differences between the above or below RDA protein groups.

Statistical Analysis

Analysis of covariance was used to control for body mass index (BMI) between groups when assessing physical performance, physical activity and health-related quality of life.

Results

The subjects consumed an average of 72.2 g protein/day representing 1.1 g protein/kg body weight/day. Subjects were categorized as below the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein (defined as less than 0.8 g protein/kg) or at or above the RDA (equal to or higher than 0.8 g protein/kg). Ninety-seven subjects (25%) were in the low protein group, and 290 (75%) were in the higher protein group. Women in the higher protein group had lower body mass, including fat and lean mass, and fat-to-lean ratio than those in the lower-protein group (p <0.001). Composite scores of upper and lower extremity strength were impaired in the group with low protein intake; SPPB score was 9.9±1.9 compared to 10.6±1.6 in those with higher protein intake and PPT was 19.8± 2.9 compared to 20.9±2.1 in the low and higher protein groups, respectively. The results were attenuated by correction for BMI, but remained significant. The physical component of the SF-8 was also lower in the low protein group but did not remain significant when controlling for BMI. No significant differences were found in hand grip strength or reported physical activity.

Conclusion

Healthy, older postmenopausal women consumed, on average, 1.1 g/kg/d protein, although 25% consumed less than the RDA. Those in the low protein group had higher body fat and fat-to-lean ratio than those who consumed the higher protein diet. Upper and lower extremity function was impaired in those who consumed a low protein diet compared to those with a higher protein intake. Protein intake should be considered when evaluating the multi-factorial loss of physical function in older women.     

MYLIP p.N342S polymorphism is not associated with lipid profile in the Brazilian population

Background

Atherosclerosis is a major manifestation of the pathophysiology underlying cardiovascular disease. Flaxseed oil (FO) and ??-lipoic acid (LA) have been reported to exert potential benefit to cardiovascular system. This study tried to assess the effect of supplement of FO and LA combination on the atherosclerosis risk factors in rats fed a high-fat diet.

Methods

LA was dissolved in flaxseed oil to a final concentration of 8 g/kg (FO+LA) when used. The rodent diet contained 20% fat. One-fifth of the fat was soybean oil and the others were lard (HFD group), or 75% lard and 25% FO+LA (L-FO+LA group), or 50% lard and 50% FO+LA (M-FO+LA group), or FO+LA (H-FO+LA group). Animals were fed for 10 weeks and then killed for blood collection.

Results

Supplement of FO and LA combination significantly enhanced plasma antioxidant defense capacities, as evaluated by the marked increase in the activities of SOD, CAT and GPx as well as the level of GSH, and the significant reduction in lipid peroxidation. Simultaneous intake of FO and LA also reduced plasma TG, TC and LDL-C contents and elevated the ratio of HDL-C/LDL-C. Besides, in parallel with the increase of FO and LA combination, plasma IL-6 and CRP levels were remarkably reduced.

Conclusion

Supplement of FO and LA combination may contribute to prevent atherogenesis by improving plasma oxidative stress, lipid profile and inflammation.