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Snacking may improve physical function among older Americans
1Medical Informatics Center, Peking University, Beijing, China. xubeibe@gmail.com
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|March 30, 2013
Summary
Snacking more frequently and deriving more energy from snacks is linked to better physical function in older adults. This suggests snacking may support mobility and health in this age group.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Snacking's nutritional benefits for older adults are suggested but not well-established.
- The link between snacking habits and physical function in seniors needs clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between snacking patterns and gait speed in older adults.
- To determine if snacking frequency or energy contribution impacts physical function.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002.
- Included 2,333 US adults aged 60 and older.
- Assessed gait speed and categorized snacking frequency and energy intake.
Main Results:
- Snacking four or more times daily was associated with faster gait speed (P=0.033).
- Snacks contributing 20% to <30% of daily energy intake correlated with faster gait speed compared to 0-10% (P=0.017).
- Associations remained significant after adjusting for multiple confounders.
Conclusions:
- Both snacking frequency and energy contribution from snacks positively correlate with gait speed in older adults.
- Snacking may be a beneficial dietary behavior for maintaining physical function in seniors.
- Incorporating snacks into the diet could support older adults' physical well-being.
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