Selenium status, fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and aging: the Nove Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Background:

• Aging is associated with significant physiological changes affecting nutrient metabolism and status.
• Understanding the interplay between aging, nutrient levels, and cellular health is crucial for promoting well-being in older populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between aging and key nutritional biomarkers, including selenium, vitamins A and E, and fatty acid profiles.
• To identify predictors of selenium status and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in a healthy aging cohort.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 105 healthy individuals aged 20-75+ years, stratified by age and sex.
• Analysis of plasma and erythrocyte levels of selenium, vitamins A and E, and fatty acids.
• Statistical analysis using stepwise multiple linear regression to identify significant predictors.

Main Results:

• Aged subjects exhibited a decline in selenium status and a reduced plasma and erythrocyte polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio (P:S).
• Age, vitamin A, and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were significant predictors of selenium variability (R² = 0.382).
• Age and erythrocyte oleic acid predicted erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase variability (R² = 0.17).

Conclusions:

• Aging negatively impacts selenium status and alters fatty acid profiles in healthy individuals.
• Nutritional status, particularly vitamin A and PUFA intake, plays a role in maintaining selenium levels during aging.
• These findings highlight the importance of monitoring nutritional biomarkers in aging populations.