No abstract

In aging, some level of functional impairment is common as a consequence of health problems inherent to this phase of life. The literature demonstrates the importance of micronutrients for prevention or control of these diseases. In this context, vitamin B12 and folic acid (B9) are noteworthy, as their deficiency is associated with complications that may decrease the quality of life of this population. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to perform a review to describe important aspects related to the association between B12 and B9 in the cognitive health of the elderly. A total of 16 articles were used to compose the review, divided into 3 analysis categories that relate these micronutrients to the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease, loss of cognition and the presence of depression in the elderly. Low levels of B12 and B9 have been observed in Alzheimer's disease. Most articles related reduced vitamin levels with poor performance on cognitive performance, and finally, low concentrations of micronutrients were found in elderly with depression. Based on the above, it can be inferred that B12 and B9 deficiency is associated with increased homocysteine and methylmalonic acid concentrations that cause central nervous system alterations, especially resulting in depression and cognitive impairment, making it important to routinely evaluate the levels of these vitamins. in the elderly as they constitute a group of high vulnerability.

Adipose tissue is a metabolically dynamic organ that is the primary site of storage for excess energy, but it serves as an endocrine organ capable of synthesizing a number of biologically active compounds that regulate metabolic homeostasis. However, when the capacity of expansion of this tissue is exceeded, dysfunction occurs, favoring ectopic accumulation of fat in the visceral, which has been implicated in several disease states, most notably obesity. This review highlights the mechanisms involved in the structure of adipose tissue, tissue expandability, adipocyte dysfunction, as well as the impact of these events on the manifestation of important metabolic disorders associated with adipose tissue dysfunction. A literature search using Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were used to identify relevant studies, using clinical trials, experimental studies in animals and humans, case-control studies, case series, letters to the editor, and review articles published in English, without restrictions on year of publication.. The excessive ectopic lipid accumulation leads to local inflammation and insulin resistance. Indeed, overnutrition triggers uncontrolled inflammatory responses white adipose tissue, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation, therefore fostering the progression of important metabolic disorders. Thus, it is essential to advance the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in adipose tissue dysfunction in order to mitigate the negative metabolic consequences of obesity.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between magnesium and iron food intake and oxidative stress marker in obese women. It was characterized as a case-control study, involving 67 women, aged between 20 and 59 years, which were divided into two groups: control group (eutrophic women, n = 42) and case group (women with obesity, n = 25). Weight and height measurements were taken to calculate body mass index, as well as calorie, macronutrient, magnesium and iron intake. Blood samples were collected from the participants for further analysis of plasma concentrations of TBARS (Thiobarbituric Acid Reagents). Data were analyzed using the SPSS for Windows 22.0 statistical program. As results, it was observed that the mean values and standard deviations of energy intake and macronutrients found in the consumed diets did not present statistically significant difference between the groups (p> 0.05). It was also observed that the case group and the control group ingested inadequate magnesium and adequate amounts of iron, according to the reference values, with no difference between the groups. TBARS concentrations of obese women were higher when compared to the control group; however, there was no correlation between the magnesium and dietary iron parameters and TBARS in the groups. Thus, it was concluded that the intake of magnesium and iron micronutrients did not seem to influence the oxidative stress marker of the study participants.

Objective: To show the influence of eating patterns and lifestyles on aging. Method: This study is an integrative review of the literature that relates food consumption and lifestyle in the aging process. It consisted of five steps: elaboration of the guiding question, search in the literature, critical analysis of data, integration of data and presentation of results. We used the databases SciElo, LILACS and Pubmed with the descriptors "Food consumption, lifestyle, aging". After the selection of the studies, 15 articles were used for structuring this integrative review. Results: Regarding food, the studies highlighted the importance of regulator food consumption and the reduction of foods with high caloric value. The practice of regular physical activity has shown to be a great ally in improving the quality of aging. As for smoking and alcoholism, practices that are incompatible with healthy aging are considered. Most of the selected studies worked with elderly people in the age group from 60 years and revealed that many of them do not have the habit of smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages. Conclusion: Adequate diet and physical activity are determinants that positively influence the active aging process, while smoking and alcoholism can lead to chronic morbidity. The studies also reveal the need to carry out more educational actions aimed at this population group in order to stimulate the improvement of health and quality of life.