Major clinical outcomes of nutrology and lifestyle in the metabolic processes of healthy aging: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Centenarians exemplify the concept of healthy aging and therefore provide an invaluable resource for identifying novel host-intestinal microbiota relationships concerning aging. Approximately 18 micronutrients, composed of minerals and vitamins, facilitate the optimal utilization of macronutrients through their role in catalyzing numerous biochemical processes, increasing their bioavailability and absorption, and balancing the microbiome. In the context of aging, a major challenge to maintaining health in old age is unbalanced nutritional intake, resulting in nutritional deficiency or malnutrition. Objective: The main clinical outcomes of nutrology and lifestyle in the metabolic processes of healthy aging were listed through a systematic review. Methods: The systematic review rules of the PRISMA Platform were followed. The search was carried out from July to August 2024 in the Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 118 articles were found. A total of 39 articles were fully evaluated and 29 were included and developed in the present systematic review study. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 21 studies with a high risk of bias and 15 that did not meet the GRADE and AMSTAR-2 criteria. Most studies showed homogeneity in their results, with X2=82.7%>50%. Zinc and copper govern many functions that characterize the so-called “oxy-aging”. Selenium (Se) is a fundamental cofactor in many redox functions, the role of vitamin C in aging has been investigated particularly for skin health and immunity, particularly in inflammatory and degenerative diseases. Retinoids, which represent a synthetic form of vitamin A, appear effective in preventing skin degeneration due to aging. The role of vitamin E in the prevention and reduction of ROS-induced lesions has been well described. Supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 influenced the analyzed biomarkers in a way that indicated an anti-aging effect. It was concluded that an adequate plasma level of trace elements, such as Zn or copper (Cu), promotes an optimal function of the immune response. Selenium (Se) is a key cofactor in many redox functions, which reduces ROS-induced degeneration in the senescent phenotype. The role of vitamin C in aging has been investigated particularly for skin health and immunity, particularly in inflammatory and degenerative diseases. Vitamin A acts in the prevention of skin degeneration due to aging. The role of vitamin E in the prevention and reduction of ROS-induced lesions has been well described, as well as it has been associated with the prevention of cognitive decline during senescence, particularly in Alzheimer's disease. Good fats, vitamins, minerals, or polyphenols can have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, with anti-aging effects. Recent studies have shown that vitamin K is a vital cofactor in the activation of several proteins, which act against age-related syndromes.