Low Vitamin E Linked To Physical Decline In Older Adults

Low concentrations of vitamin E have been linked to the decline of physical function in older people.
The information comes as a result of research done by Benedetta Barali, R.D., PhD. of Yale University School of Medicine. She and colleagues were trying to find out more about the potential harmful effects of poor nutrition in older adults. They conducted a study of 698 community–living individuals 65 years old and older in Tuscany, Italy. The participants were chosen randomly from a population registry.
Each person was given a baseline examination to measure nutritional status and physical function. From November 2001 to March 2003 follow up assessments were conducted. The researchers measured for several micronutrients including serum folate and vitamins B6, B12, D and E. The only one associated with a decline in physical function was vitamin E. They also found that for those older than 81, low concentrations of vitamin E was the strongest determinant in physical decline.
“The hypothesis that antioxidants (such as vitamin E) play a role in he aetiology of decline in physical function and disability is supported by our previous findings,” write the authors. “Other studies suggesting that oxidative stress is involved in muscle fatigue and that antioxidants play a preventive role in muscle damage by reducing oxidative injury.”
The researchers go on to say that 3 mechanisms could explain the effects: increased oxidative stress leading to muscle or DNA damage, exacerbation of atherosclerosis or other pathological conditions and development of neurodegenerative disorders.

SOURCE: JAMA, Jan. 23, 2008