| |
Antioxidants and physical performance in elderly persons
A study was carried out to assess the correlation of
plasma concentrations and daily intakes of antioxidants with skeletal muscle
strength and physical performance in the elderly. 986 Italians aged over 65
had their physical performance assessed on the basis of walking speed, ability
to rise from a chair, standing balance and knee extension. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the daily dietary
intakes of vitamin C, vitamin E, B-carotene, and retinol. Of the daily dietary
intake measures, vitamin C and B-carotene were significantly correlated with
knee extension strength, and vitamin C was significantly associated with physical
performance.
This shows that plasma antioxidant concentrations correlate
positively with physical performance and strength. Higher dietary intakes of
most antioxidants, especially vitamin C, appear to be associated with higher
skeletal muscular strength in elderly persons.
Am J Clin Nutr 2004;79:289-94
Print this page |
|
