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Aim Saliva is important for maintaining oral function and regulating oral health. Reduced saliva flow rate, which is common among older adults, has been reported to be associated with perceived chewing and swallowing difficulties; however, its relationship to actual nutrient intake is unclear. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between hyposalivation and nutrient intake among older Japanese adults. Methods The participants were 352 community-based Japanese aged 80 years. A stimulated salivary flow rate <0.5 mL/min was defined as hyposalivation. Multivariable analysis of differences in nutrient and food intake outcome variables, which were collected through a validated food frequency questionnaire, between groups with/without hyposalivation was carried out using general linear models. Models included adjustment for number of teeth, denture use, sex, income, education, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol use, diabetes, medication, activities of daily living, depression and total calorie intake. Results The hyposalivation group had significantly lower intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, potassium, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B6 and folate than the group without hyposalivation ( P < 0.05) after adjusting for confounders. Vegetable, fish and shellfish consumption was significantly lower in the hyposalivation group ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Dietary intake was poorer in those with hyposalivation than among those without. A decrease in stimulated salivary flow rate could have negative effects on geriatric nutrition. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 500-507. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship of oral health status defined on the basis of presence of posterior occluding pairs ( POPs) and adequacy of removable denture fit as determined by self-report to nutrient and food intake among older Japanese. Methods The subjects were 353 Japanese aged 80 years in 2008 and were classified into four groups according to the number of POPs, defined as pairs of occluding natural, restored, or fixed prosthetic postcanine teeth (range: 0-8) and removable denture status. The groups were: (i) good dentition ( n = 56; 8 POPs and no removable prosthesis), (ii) well-fitting dentures ( n = 158; <8 POPs with self-reported good-fitting dentures), (iii) ill-fitting dentures ( n = 70; <8 POPs with self-reported ill-fitting dentures), and (iv) compromised dentition ( n = 69; <8 POPs and no removable prosthesis). Multivariable analysis of the differences in nutrient and food intake outcome variables which were collected via validated food frequency questionnaire among the four oral health status groups was conducted using general linear models. Results Intake of multiple nutrients was significantly ( P < 0.05) lower in the group with ill-fitting dentures or compromised dentition than in the good dentition group. Vegetable, fish, and shellfish consumption was significantly lower in the ill-fitting dentures or compromised dentition groups. No significant differences were seen in dietary intake between the well-fitting dentures and good dentition groups. Conclusions Dietary intake was poorer in those with self-perceived ill-fitting dentures or fewer POPs than among those having all POPs. Regular dental care to maintain intact dentition, as well as dental treatment to replace missing teeth and ensure adequate denture fit and function, may be important to the diet intake and subsequent nutritional status of older Japanese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]