Energy and nutrient intake in older adults with healthy aging during the Corona Virus Disease 19 pandemic– a cohort study

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Background and objectiveLockdown measures implemented amid the COVID-19 pandemic promoted changes in lifestyle, particularly engagement in physical activity/exercise and dietary intake. However, few studies are available investigating the healthy older population, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on energy and nutrient intake among older adults with successful aging and to evaluate changes in muscle mass, strength and physical performance. MethodsA cohort study of 38 healthy older adults from a Brazilian geriatrics referral center were assessed at two time points: baseline – up to 1 year prior to the pandemic; and follow-up – an average of 17 months after the pandemic outbreak. Energy and nutrient intake was determined using food recalls and diary records, while muscle mass was calculated based on anthropometric parameters. Maximum hand-grip strength and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score were also evaluated. ResultsMedian age of participants was 87 years. During the pandemic, intake of protein increased from 52.6g to 63.9g (p=0.013) and micronutrients also increased: vitamin C from 35.4 mg to 76.1mg (p=0.027), vitamin B12 from 2.2mg to 3.1 mg (p=0.045), calcium from 435.1mg to 631.5mg (p<0.001), magnesium from 186.5mg to 198.9 mg (p=0.043), zinc from 5.8 mg to 7.6 mg (p=0.009), iron from 6.9mg to 7.2 mg (p=0.035) and potassium from 1941.6mg to 2115.5 mg (p=0.048). No changes in energy intake or other nutrients were evident. No difference in mass, strength or physical performance was observed during the study period. Overall, 84% of participants remained physically active, although engagement in physical exercise decreased by 50% (p<0.002). ConclusionThe increase in intake of proteins and micronutrients suggests improved diet quality during the pandemic. Engagement in physical exercise decreased significantly, but level of physical activity was maintained. No change in anthropometric parameters, strength or physical performance was evident in the population investigated.