1. Social isolation, loneliness and low dietary micronutrient intake amongst older people in England.
- Author
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Steptoe, Andrew, Fong, Hoi Lam, and Lassale, Camille
- Subjects
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THERAPEUTIC use of vitamin C , *THERAPEUTIC use of minerals , *THERAPEUTIC use of magnesium , *THERAPEUTIC use of folic acid , *RISK assessment , *FOOD quality , *FOOD consumption , *RESEARCH funding , *LOGISTIC regression analysis , *POTASSIUM , *MICRONUTRIENTS , *LONELINESS , *ODDS ratio , *VITAMIN B6 , *VITAMINS , *FOOD diaries , *CONFIDENCE intervals - Abstract
Background Social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased risk of adverse health outcomes at older ages. This study evaluated whether isolation and loneliness are related to inadequate intake of micronutrients in the diet. Methods We tested associations between social isolation and loneliness and dietary micronutrient intake 2 years later in 3713 men and women (mean age 68.26, standard deviation 7.81 years) who completed two online 24-h dietary recalls. Associations of isolation and loneliness with intake of nine minerals and vitamins that fell below national recommendations were tested using logistic regressions, adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, education, marital status, smoking and physical activity and total energy intake. Results The prevalence of low dietary intake varied markedly across micronutrients. Social isolation (1-point increase in a score ranging 0–5) was associated with increased odds (adjusted for covariates) of low intake of magnesium [odds ratio (OR) 1.153, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.037–1.282, P = .009], potassium (OR 1.201, 95% CI 1.087–1.327, P < .001), vitamin B6 (OR 1.263, 95% CI 1.110–1.438, P < .001), folate (OR 1.211, 95% CI 1.093–1.341, P < .001) and vitamin C (OR 1.238, 95% CI 1.098–1.394, P < .001). These associations remained unchanged when food insecurity and impaired activities of daily living were taken into account. By contrast, loneliness was not related to the inadequate intake of any micronutrient. Conclusions Low intake of micronutrients increases risk of age-related health problems. Attention to the dietary quality of older people with limited social contacts and little involvement in community activities might enhance health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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