Abstract
BackgroundMalnutrition is a widespread problem in elderly people and is associated with cognitive decline. However, interventional studies have produced ambiguous results. For this reason, we wanted to determine the effect of micronutrient supplementation on blood and tissue levels and on general nutritional status in persons with mild or moderate cognitive impairment.MethodsWe performed a 2-month, open-label trial, administering a daily micronutrient supplement to 42 memory clinic patients with mild cognitive deficits. Blood levels of antioxidants, zinc, and B vitamins were determined before and after supplementation. In addition, we assessed metabolic markers for B vitamins and intracellular (buccal mucosa cell [BMC]) antioxidant levels. Nutritional status was assessed by using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA).ResultsBlood levels of B vitamins, folic acid, lutein, β-carotene, α-carotene, and α-tocopherol increased significantly. Decreases in homocysteine levels and the thiamine pyrophosphate effect and an increase in holotranscobalamin were observed. We found no increase in intracellular antioxidant levels of BMC. The MNA score in subjects at risk for malnutrition increased significantly, mainly owing to better perception of nutritional and overall health status.ConclusionsMicronutrient supplementation improved serum micronutrient status, with improved metabolic markers for B vitamins but not for intracellular antioxidant status, and was associated with improved self-perception of general health status. Our data underline the necessity of determining micronutrient status and support the use of additional assessments for general health and quality of life in nutritional supplementation trials.
Highlights
Malnutrition is a widespread problem in elderly people and is associated with cognitive decline
Effect of vitamin supplementation on micronutrient concentrations in blood and intracellular tissue The first patient was enrolled in October 2008 and the last patient finished the study in March 2009
After excluding subjects with prior additional vitamin supplement use, we included those with a measured value before and after supplementation for analysis
Summary
Malnutrition is a widespread problem in elderly people and is associated with cognitive decline. For this reason, we wanted to determine the effect of micronutrient supplementation on blood and tissue levels and on general nutritional status in persons with mild or moderate cognitive impairment. Malnutrition may have an impact on cognitive function and, Little data is available regarding the absorption of nutritional supplements and their measurable effects on blood and tissue levels in elderly populations with mild or moderate cognitive impairment. To describe vitamin von Arnim et al Nutrition Journal 2013, 12:148 http://www.nutritionj.com/content/12/1/148 status, researchers commonly use serum or plasma concentrations; the information provided by these measurements is limited because data about tissue vitamin status are unreliable. Determination of intracellular levels would be advantageous for obtaining accurate knowledge about vitamin status
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call