Abstract

Micronutrients such as vitamins and trace elements are crucial for maintaining the health of all organisms. Micronutrients are involved in every cellular/biochemical process. They play roles in proper heart and brain functioning, influence immunological responses, and antioxidant defense systems. Therefore, prolonged deficiency in one or more micronutrients leads to cardiovascular or neurodegenerative disorders. Keeping micronutrients at adequate levels is especially important for seniors. They are prone to deficiencies due to age-associated functional decline and often to a diet poor in nutrients. Moreover, lack of micronutrients has an indirect impact on the genome. Their low levels reduce the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and therefore inhibit the efficiency of defense against free radicals which can lead to the formation of DNA lesions. The more DNA damage in the genetic material, the faster aging at the cellular level and a higher risk of pathological processes (e.g., carcinogenesis). Supplementation of crucial antioxidative micronutrients such as selenium, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E seems to have the potential to positively influence the condition of an aging organism, including minimizing inflammation, enhancing antioxidative defense, and limiting the formation of DNA lesions. In consequence, it may lead to lowering the risk and incidence of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and malnutrition. In this article, we attempt to present the synergistic action of selected antioxidant micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc) for inhibiting oxidative stress and DNA damage, which may impede the process of healthy aging.

Highlights

  • Malnutrition, according to the definition, is an imbalance at the cellular level between the demand for nutrients and their intake

  • The results showed a higher concentration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 1 (IL-1), during 72 h incubation with the mitogen

  • Micronutrients are an important part of the antioxidant defense mechanisms

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Summary

Introduction

Malnutrition, according to the definition, is an imbalance at the cellular level between the demand for nutrients and their intake. Anorexia is an independent risk factor for death in an older population [4] As it is associated with qualitative and/or quantitative nutritional deficiencies, immune functions, metabolism, and antioxidative defense systems are weakened. Elevated levels of IL-6 or TNF-α affected nutrition control centers, suppressed appetite, changed sensory sensations, and inhibited muscle protein synthesis [8], all of which could promote the development of anorexia. It could be a cause of inadequate nutrient intake or malfunctioning absorption

Antioxidant
Biochemical Aspects of Selected Micronutrients
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Selenium
Findings
Conclusions

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