Association between masticatory performance and anthropometric measurements and nutritional status in the elderly

The association between chewing ability and physical constitution and nutritional status remains uncertain in the elderly. We examined the relationships between chewing ability and anthropometric measurements or nutritional status in the elderly.

A total of 200 subjects (78 men and 122 women; mean age +/- standard deviation, 76.6 +/- 7.1) were enrolled from geriatric clinical settings. Chewing ability was evaluated by color-changeable chewing gum. Bodyweight, body mass index, mid-upper-arm circumference (MAC), and triceps skinfold, grip strength, serum albumin, physical and cognitive functions, depressive status, and dental status were determined.

Correlations were found between chewing ability and bodyweight, MAC, dental status, physical and cognitive functions, and depressive status after adjusting for age and sex. The concentrations of serum albumin were well-correlated with chewing ability and anthropometric measurements. Stepwise linear regression analyses revealed that the masticatory cycle, dental status, bodyweight and MAC are predictors of chewing ability, and that age, chewing ability, grip strength and sex are predictors of serum albumin concentrations.

Chewing ability is associated with not only oral health status but also the physical constitution of the elderly. In addition, chewing ability may add to the regulation of the nutritional status in the elderly.