Western and Mediterranean Dietary Patterns and Physical Activity and Fitness among Spanish Older Adults.

Maria Bibiloni,Emma Argelich,Josep Tur,Gonzalo Palacios,Marcela Gonzalez-Gross,Antoni Pons,Alicia Julibert,Raquel Aparicio-Ugarriza

doi:10.3390/nu9070704

Abstract

Objectives: To assess prevailing food patterns, and its association with physical activity and fitness among Spanish older adults. Methods: Cross-sectional study in Spain, collecting data from a sample (n = 380; 54% female) aged 55–80 years (men) and 60–80 years (women) with no previously documented cardiovascular disease. Body weight, body fat and waist circumference were assessed. Physical activity performed was measured using the Minnesota Leisure-time Physical Activity Questionnaire (LTPA). Physical fitness was assessed using a validated physical fitness test battery. Food consumption was assessed by a validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Factor analysis identified two major dietary food patterns: “Western” (WDP) and “Mediterranean” (MDP) dietary patterns. Results: Participants in MDP’s fourth quartile were classified in the second (men) and third (men and women) tertile of LTPA. After adjusting for age, body fat, waist-to-height ratio, and METs, in both sexes, a negative significant association was found between 30-s Chair stand and 6-min walking test, a positive significant association was found between 30-m Gait speed and 8-foot Time Up-and-Go (except in men) tests with WDP. The 30-m Gait speed test was negatively associated with MDP in men. Conclusions: MDP is associated with more time spent on LTPA, and this association was independent of body composition and a fast gait speed in men. WDP is associated with slower gait speed and lower body strength, agility and aerobic endurance. MDP has protective effect on healthy physical fitness, and WDP may be a contributor to frailty.

Highlights

Between 1990 and 2010, global consumption of healthier foods and nutrients has modestly increased; consumption of unhealthy foods and nutrients has increased to a greater extent during the past two decades [1]
Mediterranean Dietary Pattern (MDP) is associated with more time spent on Leisure-time Physical Activity Questionnaire (LTPA), and this association was independent of body composition and a fast gait speed in men
We modeled the probability to obtain a higher score of WDP and MDP reflecting a higher adherence to the respective dietary pattern

Summary

Introduction

Between 1990 and 2010, global consumption of healthier foods and nutrients has modestly increased; consumption of unhealthy foods and nutrients has increased to a greater extent during the past two decades [1]. Emerging evidence suggests that low intake of certain micronutrients and protein could be a risk factor for frailty [2,3]. Several studies found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) [4,5,6,7] or higher scores on the global dietary quality index [8,9] were associated with a lower risk of frailty or some of its components. The MD used to be sufficiently caloric and rich in vitamins and minerals, derived from vegetables and fruits, whole-meal cereals, nuts, virgin olive oil and fish, which made the risk of deficient micronutrient intakes quite infrequent [11]. The total antioxidant capacity of the MD is probably higher than in other countries with a higher incidence of chronic diseases [12]

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Conclusion