Development of a Mobility Diet Score (MDS) and Associations With Bone Mineral Density and Muscle Function in Older Adults

Elevating the significance of legume intake: A novel strategy to counter aging-related mitochondrial dysfunction and physical decline

Mitochondrial dysfunction increasingly becomes a target for promoting healthy aging and longevity. The dysfunction of mitochondria with age ultimately leads to a decline in physical functions. Among them, biogenesis dysfunction and the imbalances in the metabolism of reactive oxygen species and mitochondria as signaling organelles in the aging process have aroused our attention. Dietary intervention in mitochondrial dysfunction and physical decline during aging processes is essential, and greater attention should be directed toward healthful legume intake. Legumes are constantly under investigation for their nutritional and bioactive properties, and their consumption may yield antiaging and mitochondria-protecting benefits. This review summarizes mitochondrial dysfunction with age, discusses the benefits of legumes on mitochondrial function, and introduces the potential role of legumes in managing aging-related physical decline. Additionally, it reveals the benefits of legume intake for the elderly and offers a viable approach to developing legume-based functional food.

Association between nut consumption and low muscle strength among Korean adults

Nuts are an important component of a healthy diet, but little has been known about their effects on muscle health. Therefore, this study examined the association between nut consumption and low muscle strength among Korean adults. This cross-sectional analysis was conducted using single 24-h recall and handgrip strength data from 3962 younger adults 19-39 years, 6921 middle-aged adults 40-64 years and 3961 older adults ≥65 years participated in the seventh cycle (2016-2018) of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Low muscle strength was defined as handgrip strength <28 kg for men and <18 kg for women. Sex-specific OR were obtained for younger, middle-aged and older adults using multivariable logistic regression analyses. About one in four Korean adults were consuming nuts (using a culinary definition) with peanut being the most frequently consumed type. After adjustment for age, BMI, total energy intake, household income, alcohol consumption, smoking, resistance exercise, medical history and dietary protein intake, nut consumption was associated with the lower risk of low muscle strength among older adults ≥65 years (men: OR 0·55, 95 % CI (0·38, 0·79); women: OR 0·69, 95 % CI (0·51, 0·93)); however, this association was not observed among younger adults 19-39 years or middle-aged adults 40-64 years. Our results suggest that consuming nuts might be beneficial in lowering the risk of low muscle strength among Korean older adults.

Nuts and Older Adults' Health: A Narrative Review

Although the beneficial effects of nuts on cardiometabolic diseases have been well established, little is known about the effects of nuts on age-related diseases. Given that age-related diseases share many biological pathways with cardiometabolic diseases, it is plausible that diets rich in nuts might be beneficial in ameliorating age-related conditions. The objective of this review was to summarise the findings from studies that have examined the associations or effects of nut consumption, either alone or as part of the dietary pattern, on three major age-related factors—telomere length, sarcopenia, and cognitive function—in older adults. Overall, the currently available evidence suggests that nut consumption, particularly when consumed as part of a healthy diet or over a prolonged period, is associated with positive outcomes such as longer telomere length, reduced risk of sarcopenia, and better cognition in older adults. Future studies that are interventional, long-term, and adequately powered are required to draw definitive conclusions on the effects of nut consumption on age-related diseases, in order to inform dietary recommendations to incorporate nuts into the habitual diet of older adults.