Socially isolated seniors at risk of nutrient deficiencies, research shows

Older adults in Britain who are socially isolated are more likely to have inadequate intake of key micronutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin B6, increasing their risk of health problems, according to a new study led by researchers at UCL (University College London).

The study, published in the news Age and aginglooked at data from 3,713 people in Britain aged 50 and over who completed a detailed questionnaire about what they ate and drank on two separate days.

The researchers found that people who were more socially isolated were more likely to have lower than recommended intakes of five micronutrients essential for health: magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin B6.

These micronutrients are typically found in small amounts in fruits, vegetables, legumes (such as peas, beans and lentils) and fish, indicating a diet lacking these food sources.

Lead author Professor Andrew Steptoe (UCL Behavioral Science & Health) said: “Our research shows that people who are more socially isolated are less likely to get enough micronutrients. This is important because inadequate intake of these micronutrients means that people are more likely to get enough micronutrients. risk of health problems as they get older.

“One explanation for this association is that if you are more isolated, you may not have others around you to provide information about what is healthy and encourage a more varied diet. Older people also tend to stick to diets they know and may not vary their diets. food just as much as before.”

Co-author Dr. Camille Lassale from ISGlobal in Barcelona added: “A varied diet with plenty of plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains) and fish is important to help maintain a healthy body and mind. Access access to these products must be guaranteed and promoting their consumption is especially important among elderly people who live alone or isolated.’

For the study, researchers used data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), in which a nationally representative sample of the English population answers a wide range of questions every two years.

Respondents were rated on how socially isolated they were, based on whether they lived alone, how often they saw friends and relatives outside their household, and whether they participated in clubs or organizations.

The research team found that a one-point increase in participants’ social isolation score was associated with an increased likelihood of inadequate intake of five of nine key micronutrients two years later. The intake of the nine micronutrients was estimated based on the information from the dietary questionnaire.

The team took into account many factors that may have influenced the results, including age, gender, education, marital status, food insecurity and reduced daily living, and found that the association persisted despite these factors.

Overall, the researchers found that a striking number of respondents had vitamin and mineral intakes that were lower than recommended. For example, half of the respondents had a low potassium intake, a third had a low magnesium intake, a quarter did not get enough calcium and a sixth did not get enough iron.

Magnesium and potassium are important for bone health, while a deficiency of the B vitamins folic acid and B6 is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Vitamin C plays multiple roles in promoting health, including maintaining healthy bones, cells and skin.

The researchers found that, unlike social isolation, loneliness was not associated with lower micronutrient intake. The researchers said this suggested that lower micronutrient intake was not related to the emotional aspect of isolation – how lonely a person feels – but to the practical consequences of having fewer connections, such as having fewer people around them who provide information about a healthy, varied diet. , and no one to help them prepare nutritious meals. People with high scores on social isolation do not necessarily feel lonely, the research team noted.

Social isolation was not linked to an increased likelihood of not having enough calcium, iron and vitamin B12, micronutrients that largely come from meat, eggs and dairy products.

The researchers said this suggested that people who were less socially connected in the study were likely to eat a more traditional diet with fewer vegetables (such as dark leafy greens), fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes.