Age, diet, maximal aerobic capacity and serum lipids

Eighty males ranging in age from 21 to 75 years were examined for maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max expressed in ml/kg x min-1), serum cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL, and VLDL-cholesterol), serum triglycerides, body fatness (%) and dietary patterns including total and constituent (protein, fat and carbohydrate) kilocalories and dietary cholesterol and alcohol intake. With age, subjects demonstrated a decreased maximal aerobic capacity, increased total serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, increased serum triglycerides and body fatness. Dietary characteristics and HDL-cholesterol did not change with age. Older males (N = 27) with a mean age of 51.7 (+/- 7.2) years were matched for maximal aerobic capacity with younger males (N = 27) with a mean age of 34.2 (+/- 4.5) years. Dietary patterns and total serum cholesterol and HDL, LDL, and VLDL-cholesterol did not differ significantly between groups. Older subjects demonstrated significantly greater body fatness and serum triglycerides. It was concluded that a relationship exists between maximal aerobic capacity and serum cholesterol concentrations. This relationship did not appear to be influenced by dietary characteristics. It was further concluded that the gradual increase in body fatness with age was not attributable to quantitative or qualitative changes in caloric intake.