Page 175 - Petelin, Ana, ur. 2021. Zdravje starostnikov / Health of the Elderly. Zbornik povzetkov z recenzijo / Book of Abstracts. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press
P. 175
erly and dietary supplements: benefits and risks posterji | poster presentations
Katja Kramberger, Darja Barlič-Maganja
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia
Introduction: A large percentage of older adults do not receive recommended
amounts of many nutrients from food alone. Due to increased awareness of
the importance of nutrition to health, along with the advertising and over-the-
counter accessibility of the dietary supplements, their use is increasing among
the elderly. The purpose of this review is to determine the major benefits of di-
etary supplementation specific to older adults, as well as to highlight the poten-
tial risks that may occur with their use.
Methods: PubMed database and the world wide web were searched with mesh
terms »prehranska dopolnila« – »dietary/food supplements«, »starostniki«
– »elderly«, »zakonodaja« – »legislation«, »interakcije« – »interactions« and
their combinations. English language articles published after 2000 were includ-
ed in narrative review.
Results and discussion: Under certain circumstances, older adults may benefit
from supplementation. Clinical studies have indicated a possible reduction in
the risk of developing age-related diseases among older people who report-
ed long-term use of multivitamin supplements. Higher plasma levels of ome-
ga-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have also been associated with fewer cardio-
vascular deaths in older people taking omega-3 supplements. Dietary protein
supplementation combined with physical activity had a strong effect in pre-
venting age-related muscle mass attenuation and leg strength loss in older peo-
ple. Finally, beneficial effects of purified flavonoids on cognitive function have
been reported in some studies. Although there are potential benefits to taking
supplements, there are also potential drawbacks. In addition to the increased
risk of nutrient overdose, concomitant use of dietary supplements and pre-
scription medications is common in this population and can increase the risk
for drug-nutrient interactions and adverse events. Particular caution should be
taken when using herbal supplements containing St. John’s Wort, grapefruit,
pomegranate, or black pepper, as these can affect the metabolism of numer-
ous drugs. Supplements containing cranberry, Ginkgo, garlic, coenzyme Q10,
or omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, may increase the risk of bleeding
when used together with anticoagulant medications.
Conclusion: Given the risks associated with dietary supplement use, decisions
about the appropriateness of supplementation for older adults should be made
by healthcare providers in pharmacies or specialty stores. It is advisable that
older adults consult with registered dietitians who can properly assess the pa-
tient’s nutritional status and recommend the best supplements based on indi-
vidual need.
Keywords: dietary supplements, elderly, indications, interactions
173
Katja Kramberger, Darja Barlič-Maganja
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia
Introduction: A large percentage of older adults do not receive recommended
amounts of many nutrients from food alone. Due to increased awareness of
the importance of nutrition to health, along with the advertising and over-the-
counter accessibility of the dietary supplements, their use is increasing among
the elderly. The purpose of this review is to determine the major benefits of di-
etary supplementation specific to older adults, as well as to highlight the poten-
tial risks that may occur with their use.
Methods: PubMed database and the world wide web were searched with mesh
terms »prehranska dopolnila« – »dietary/food supplements«, »starostniki«
– »elderly«, »zakonodaja« – »legislation«, »interakcije« – »interactions« and
their combinations. English language articles published after 2000 were includ-
ed in narrative review.
Results and discussion: Under certain circumstances, older adults may benefit
from supplementation. Clinical studies have indicated a possible reduction in
the risk of developing age-related diseases among older people who report-
ed long-term use of multivitamin supplements. Higher plasma levels of ome-
ga-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have also been associated with fewer cardio-
vascular deaths in older people taking omega-3 supplements. Dietary protein
supplementation combined with physical activity had a strong effect in pre-
venting age-related muscle mass attenuation and leg strength loss in older peo-
ple. Finally, beneficial effects of purified flavonoids on cognitive function have
been reported in some studies. Although there are potential benefits to taking
supplements, there are also potential drawbacks. In addition to the increased
risk of nutrient overdose, concomitant use of dietary supplements and pre-
scription medications is common in this population and can increase the risk
for drug-nutrient interactions and adverse events. Particular caution should be
taken when using herbal supplements containing St. John’s Wort, grapefruit,
pomegranate, or black pepper, as these can affect the metabolism of numer-
ous drugs. Supplements containing cranberry, Ginkgo, garlic, coenzyme Q10,
or omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, may increase the risk of bleeding
when used together with anticoagulant medications.
Conclusion: Given the risks associated with dietary supplement use, decisions
about the appropriateness of supplementation for older adults should be made
by healthcare providers in pharmacies or specialty stores. It is advisable that
older adults consult with registered dietitians who can properly assess the pa-
tient’s nutritional status and recommend the best supplements based on indi-
vidual need.
Keywords: dietary supplements, elderly, indications, interactions
173
