Are legume-based recipes an appropriate source of nutrients for healthy ageing? A prospective cohort study

Elevating the significance of legume intake: A novel strategy to counter aging-related mitochondrial dysfunction and physical decline

Mitochondrial dysfunction increasingly becomes a target for promoting healthy aging and longevity. The dysfunction of mitochondria with age ultimately leads to a decline in physical functions. Among them, biogenesis dysfunction and the imbalances in the metabolism of reactive oxygen species and mitochondria as signaling organelles in the aging process have aroused our attention. Dietary intervention in mitochondrial dysfunction and physical decline during aging processes is essential, and greater attention should be directed toward healthful legume intake. Legumes are constantly under investigation for their nutritional and bioactive properties, and their consumption may yield antiaging and mitochondria-protecting benefits. This review summarizes mitochondrial dysfunction with age, discusses the benefits of legumes on mitochondrial function, and introduces the potential role of legumes in managing aging-related physical decline. Additionally, it reveals the benefits of legume intake for the elderly and offers a viable approach to developing legume-based functional food.

Animal and vegetable protein intake and malnutrition in older adults: a multicohort study

OBJECTIVES

Malnutrition is a global concern in older adults, as it negatively affects morbidity and mortality. While higher animal protein intake may help prevent and treat malnutrition, it might also increase the risk of chronic diseases and death. Conversely, vegetable protein intake might have a lower anabolic effect and not be as effective to improve nutritional status. We studied whether animal and vegetable protein intake are associated with changes in nutritional status in older adults.

DESIGN

We used pooled data from two Spanish cohorts: the Seniors-ENRICA 1 and Seniors-ENRICA 2.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

2,965 community-dwelling adults aged 62-92 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Protein intake was estimated at baseline via an electronic, validated diet history. Nutritional status was assessed at baseline and after 2.6 years with the GLIM (Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition) phenotypic criteria: weight loss, low body mass index, and reduced muscle mass. The odds of improvements in nutritional status were assessed with logistic regression models, extensively adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Higher animal and vegetable protein intake were associated with improvements in nutritional status [odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) per 0.25 g/kg/day were 1.15 (1.00, 1.32) and 1.77 (1.35, 2.32), respectively]. Cereal protein intake drove most of the latter association [2.07 (1.44, 2.98)]. Replacing 0.25 g/kg/day of total animal protein, meat, or fish protein (but not dairy or egg protein) with vegetable protein was associated with improvements in nutritional status [1.54 (1.13, 2.09), 1.70 (1.20, 2.41), and 1.77 (1.18, 2.64), respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

Higher animal and, especially, vegetable protein intake were associated with improvements in nutritional status in older adults. Replacing total animal protein, meat, or fish protein with vegetable protein may help improve malnutrition.