Micronutrients and ageing: intakes and requirements

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry of Aging

Background:

• Aging is linked to declines in immunological, genetic, neurological, and endocrinological functions.
• Oxidative stress mechanisms significantly contribute to the aging process and age-related diseases.
• Nutritional status, particularly antioxidant micronutrient intake, is critical for elderly health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the relationship between nutrition and health in the elderly.
• To investigate the role of antioxidant micronutrients in preventing accelerated aging.
• To determine optimal supplementation strategies for age-related disease prevention.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on aging, oxidative stress, and micronutrient requirements.
• Analysis of the impact of physiological and environmental factors on micronutrient status in the elderly.
• Evaluation of evidence for micronutrient supplementation benefits.

Main Results:

• Accelerated aging may result from deficiencies in antioxidant vitamins (tocopherols, carotenoids, vitamin C) and trace elements (zinc, selenium).
• Impaired adaptative mechanisms against oxidative stress are associated with deficits in these micronutrients.
• No evidence supports iron supplementation benefits in healthy elderly individuals.

Conclusions:

• Combined supplementation with zinc, selenium, vitamins C and E, and carotenoids may be the most effective strategy for preventing accelerated aging.
• This combined approach could reduce the risk of common age-related diseases.
• Individualized assessment of micronutrient status is essential for defining specific elderly requirements.