Fresh and Lean Pork Intake in Relation to Functional Limitations Among U.S. Older Adults, 2005–2016 (P18-002-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study assessed fresh and lean pork intake in relation to functional limitations among U.S. older adults 65 years and older. MethodsNationally-representative sample (N = 27,117) from 2005–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Logistic regressions were performed to estimate the odds ratios of activities of daily living limitation (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living limitation (IADLs), leisure and social activities limitation (LSAs), lower extremity mobility limitation (LEM), general physical activities limitation (GPAs), and any functional limitation with respect to daily pork, fresh pork, and fresh lean pork consumption, adjusting for individual charteristics including sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, obesity, smoking, self-rated health, chronic conditions, and survey wave. ResultsApproximately 21%, 18%, and 16% of older adults consumed pork, fresh pork, and fresh lean pork, respectively. The rates of ADL, IADLs, LSAs, LEM, GPAs, and any functional limitations were 22%, 32%, 23%, 22%, 66%, and 70% among NHANES older adults, respectively. A daily increase in pork consumption by 1 ounce-equivalent was associated with a reduction in the odds of ADLs by 12% (OR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.78, 0.98), IADLs by 10% (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.82, 0.99), and any functional limitation by 7% (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.86, 0.99). A daily increase in fresh pork consumption by 1 ounce-equivalent was associated with a reduction in the odds of ADLs by 13% (OR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.78, 0.97), IADLs by 10% (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.82, 0.99), GPAs by 8% (OR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.85, 0.99), and any functional limitation by 8% (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85, 0.99). Similar effects were found for fresh lean pork consumption on ADLs, IADLs, GPAs, and any functional limitation. No association between pork consumption and LSAs or LEM was identified. ConclusionsThis study found some preliminary evidence linking fresh and fresh lean pork consumption to reduced risk of functional limitations. This study has limitations pertaining to measurement errors and cross-sectional study design. Future studies with longitudinal/experimental designs are warranted to examine the influence of fresh and lean pork consumption on functional limitations among older adults. Funding SourcesNational Pork Board.