Intake of Medication and Vitamin Status in the Elderly

Abstract

Background/Aims: An inadequate vitamin status is associated with higher morbidity and frailty in the elderly and might be due to medication. This study aimed to evaluate the status of several vitamins in relation to regular intake of medication in this population. Methods: A total of102 non-institutionalized subjects aged 70–90 years were recruited. Plasma levels of vitamins A, D, E, K and C were determined by HPLC. The functional parameters of vitamins B₁, B₂ and B₆, i.e. the activities of the erythrocyte enzymes transketolase, glutathione reductase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase were analyzed photometrically; plasma folate and vitamin B₁₂ were determined by RIA. Results: The status of vitamins A, E and C was generally satisfactory. Eighty-eight percent and 42% of participants were deficient in vitamins D and K, respectively, as were 29% in B₆; up to 10% were deficient in vitamins B₁, B₂, B₁₂ and folate. A considerable percentage of participants was, however, at risk for vitamin deficiencies (vitamins B₁, B₆, B₁₂ and folate: 20–30%; vitamin B₂: 60%). Regular intake of maximally 2 drugs per day was not adversely related to the status of several vitamins; intake of ≧3 drugs per day was significantly negatively associated with the status of vitamins D, K, B₆ and folate. Conclusion: Daily intake of ≧3 drugs was found to be adversely associated with the status of some vitamins in the elderly. Hence, the medication schedule and nutritional status of these subjects should be monitored closely to ensure that the daily micronutrient requirement is fulfilled.

The andrologist's contribution to a better life for ageing men: part 2

“…The long‐term intake of a judiciously composed nutriceutical containing low‐dose vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and particular herbal preparations seems justified for older persons who take medication (Fabian et al ., ), or who consume an unbalanced diet (Ulbricht, ), or who are exposed to environmental toxins. It may be advisable to combine this nutriceutical with hormone replacement therapy, whenever the latter is needed.…”

Medication Intake Is Associated with Lower Plasma Carotenoids and Higher Fat-Soluble Vitamins in the Cross-Sectional MARK-AGE Study in Older Individuals

“…The recent literature regarding medication intake focuses primarily on elderly (>65 years), institutionalized or hospitalized patients [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ], and only a few publications included measures of micronutrients [ 12 , 14 ]. Bates et al showed that 78% of British elderly (>65 years) living in the community and 93% of those in institutions were using medication.…”

“…However, the impact of medication intake on plasma micronutrient concentrations has been scarcely studied and previous studies focused mainly on the association between polypharmacy and general nutritional status—but not single micronutrients—in older individuals (>65 years), in institutionalized persons or in hospitalized patients [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. To the best of our knowledge, most data on the general frequency of medication intake originate only from older populations [ 16 ].…”

Nutriceutical Approach to the Metabolic Syndrome

“…The combination of substances with complementary effects is expected to act in synergisms. The NFS generally aims at complementing dietary deficiencies, particularly in elderly persons [4] and patients taking medication [5]. In the metabolic syndrome, a specific NFS focusses on reducing the impact of inflammation and of oxidative overload, and on correcting the impaired metabolism.…”