Is it worthwhile for older people to take a multinutrient as a dietary supplement? The Nutrimag study carried out by Leibniz University Hannover’s (LUH) Institute of Food and One Health (FOH) investigated this question – with a particular focus on some frequently crucial vitamins and on long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. The findings suggest that supplements can have strong benefits for many seniors and can, among other things, reduce the development of “silent”, imperceptible inflammatory processes in the body. These “silent inflammations” promote ageing processes and have been proven to contribute to numerous illnesses – from atherosclerosis to insulin resistance.
For the study, which was led by Prof. Dr. Andreas Hahn, the researchers first gathered data on the nutritional condition of 134 healthy, physically active women and men aged 70 and upwards. The oldest participant was over 100 years old. The focus here was on the supply of vitamins D, B12 and folic acid, as well as long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. The latter are typically consumed via fish. In general, the study participants exhibited an above average level of the nutrients, which are often crucial in old age. However, this was not the case for omega-3 fatty acids, which play an important role in the health of the cardiovascular system and counter inflammation. In 90 per cent of participants, the level was inadequate at the beginning of the study. Overall, 10 to 20 per cent of participants exhibited poor nutritional status, beyond just the level of omega-3 fatty acids.
The study results suggest that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids in particular is highly advisable. Given the usual eating habits here in Germany, it is very difficult to ensure an adequate supply purely through the diet. Seniors, and likely many younger people as well, could benefit significantly from supplementation.
Despite their good health condition overall, many of the study participants exhibited “silent inflammation”. These imperceptible inflammatory processes can be identified via cellular and plasma markers. The chronically elevated values were successfully treated with the multinutrient supplement, leading to a reduction in inflammation. The administering of the nutrients also had a positive impact on the frequently elevated level of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood. Vitamin B12 and folic acid significantly reduced the concentration of the amino acid, which is harmful to blood vessel and brain function.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Hahn, Leibniz University Hannover Institute of Food and One Health (tel. +49 511 762-5093, email: hahn@nutrition.uni-hannover.de).
