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Nutrition and healthy ageing: the key ingredients

Lookup NU author(s): Professor John Mathers

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Abstract

Healthy longevity is a tangible possibility for many individuals and populations, with nutritional and other lifestyle factors playing a key role in modulating the likelihood of healthy ageing. Nevertheless, studies of effects of nutrients or single foods on ageing often show inconsistent results and ignore the overall framework of dietary habits. Therefore, the use of dietary patterns (e.g. a Mediterranean dietary pattern) and the specific dietary recommendations (e.g. dietary approaches to stop hypertension, Polymeal and the American Healthy Eating Index) are becoming more widespread in promoting lifelong health. A posteriori defined dietary patterns are described frequently in relation to age-related diseases but their generalisability is often a challenge since these are developed specifically for the population under study. Conversely, the dietary guidelines are often developed based on prevention of disease or nutrient deficiency, but often less attention is paid to how well these dietary guidelines promote health outcomes. In the present paper, we provide an overview of the state of the art of dietary patterns and dietary recommendations in relation to life expectancy and the risk of age-related disorders (with emphasis on cardiometabolic diseases and cognitive outcomes). According to both a posteriori and a priori dietary patterns, some key 'ingredients' can be identified that are associated consistently with longevity and better cardiometabolic and cognitive health. These include high intake of fruit, vegetables, fish, (whole) grains and legumes/pulses and potatoes, whereas dietary patterns rich in red meat and sugar-rich foods have been associated with an increased risk of mortality and cardiometabolic outcomes.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Kiefte-de Jong JC, Mathers JC, Franco OH

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Proceedings of the Nutrition Society

Year: 2014

Volume: 73

Issue: 2

Pages: 249-259

Print publication date: 01/05/2014

Online publication date: 06/02/2014

ISSN (print): 0029-6651

ISSN (electronic): 1475-2719

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0029665113003881

DOI: 10.1017/S0029665113003881


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
G0700718Medical Research Council

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