Posted 1/30/2008

Low blood levels of Vitamin E linked to physical decline in seniors

Low blood levels of Vitamin E are linked to physical decline in seniors, according to a study published in the Jan. 23 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Declining physical function is a serious problem in seniors that leads to frailty and disability.

Dr. Edward Frongillo, chair of the Arnold School’s Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, said that the findings suggest that a diet with adequate Vitamin E would slow physical decline and that we should be examining further to see if helping seniors maintain adequate Vitamin E intake will better maintain physical function.

Dr. Edward Frongillo of the Arnold School of Public Health, left, Dr. Benedetta Bartali of Yale University, center, and Dr. Luigi Ferrucci of the National Institutes of Health have produced a study linking low blood levels of Vitamin E to physical decline in seniors.

Frongillo, one of the study’s authors, was a collaborator on the study which began in 1998 under the auspices of the Italian government and the U.S. National Institutes of Health and has been directed by Dr. Luigi Ferrucci.

The 698 study participants, all age 65-plus, were from areas around the Italian city of Florence and were selected at random. Blood samples were collected to measure micronutrient levels of folate, iron, and vitamins B6, B12, D, and E.

The participants' physical decline over a three-year period was assessed, using objective tests involving a short walk, balance, and standing up from a seated position. Dietary intake and blood nutrient levels were also assessed.

"There are only a couple of other studies in the world that have data anything like these at all," said Frongillo. "This study is unique in that it not only measured the seniors' diet and nutrient levels, but tracked those numbers over time to see what effects they had on physical decline," he said.

Vitamin E, which is considered an indicator of poor nutrition, was evaluated along with other micronutrients and found to be the only one significantly associated with decline in physical function.

Lead researcher Dr. Benedetta Bartali said, "The odds of declining in physical function were 1.62 times greater in persons with low levels of vitamin E compared with persons with higher levels.

"Our results suggest that an appropriate dietary intake of vitamin E may help to reduce the decline in physical function among older persons." Since only one person in the study used vitamin E supplements, it is not known if taking Vitamin E supplements would have the same beneficial effect.

As an antioxidant, vitamin E seems to help prevent or reduce the proliferation of free radicals in the body, which are linked to physical decline. These free radicals may contribute towards muscle reduction or DNA damage and the development of pathological conditions like atherosclerosis.

The authors concluded that the study . . . provides empirical evidence that a low concentration of vitamin E is associated with subsequent decline in physical function in a population-based sample of older persons living in the community.

"Although the findings from this epidemiological study cannot establish causality, they provide a solid base that low concentration of vitamin E contributes to decline in physical function.

"Clinical trials may be warranted to determine whether optimal concentration of vitamin E reduces functional decline and the onset of disability in older persons with a low concentration of vitamin E."

An adequate amount of Vitamin E intake can easily be obtained in the diet. It can be found in many foods including vegetable oils (olive, sunflower, safflower oils), nuts, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.

For more information:

• Serum Micronutrient Concentrations and Decline in Physical Function Among Older Persons