In the elderly, physical strength influences the quality of life and can be one of the factors in considering geriatric assistance programs and/or equipment. Recent hypotheses propose the decline in physical strength may be related to free radical damage.
Participants were selected from an ongoing large scale study in Italy. A total of 986 subjects over the age of 65 years were assessed for dietary antioxidants and blood levels of certain antioxidants, like tocopherols (vitamin E). Indicators of physical strength and performance like resisted knee extension, walking speed, and ability to stand up from a seated position were recorded. The results of the study demonstrated that plasma a-tocopherol was significantly correlated with knee extension (a measure of muscular strength) and physical performance score, while higher dietary intakes of vitamin C and B-carotene were significantly correlated with improved knee extension, but only higher dietary vitamin C improved physical performance.
The authors state "Our findings suggest an association between higher daily dietary intakes of vitamin C and B-carotene and skeletal muscle strength." In light of these findings and previous work indicating the preventative effect of antioxidants against oxidative aging, it would be advantageous to our elderly population if antioxidants were more routinely recommended (except, of course, in specific cases where certain nutrients may be contraindicated). This study has concluded that long-term supplementation with vitamin E and C is safe.
Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 23, 2006 03:12 PM
