Nutritional strategies for healthy cardiovascular aging: focus on micronutrients

Pharmacol Res. 2007 Mar;55(3):199-206. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2007.01.008. Epub 2007 Jan 26.

Abstract

Diet, along with genetic and environmental factors, is considered a major aspect affecting longevity as well as vascular disease outcome. Yet, inadequate nutritional intake is rampant among the elderly, affecting nearly 44% of otherwise healthy, community-dwellers in developed countries. Thus, malnutrition, both in quali- and quantitative terms and especially as related to micronutrient intake, may exacerbate intrinsic cardiovascular maladaptation associated with aging, affecting vascular disease outcomes as well as longevity. Conversely, there is accumulating evidence that diets enriched in micronutrients, including vitamins, polyphenols, and essential fatty acids, maintain cellular antioxidant status and stress response enzymes, which otherwise decrease with age. Thus, adequate intakes of micronutrients, either consequent to a correct diet or through supplementation, might afford the elderly protection from cardiovascular diseases. In this article we review the known effects of micronutrients on the aging heart and we propose strategies for dietary improvements.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage
  • Flavonoids / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / metabolism
  • Micronutrients / administration & dosage*
  • Phenols / administration & dosage
  • Polyphenols
  • Vitamin B Complex / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin E / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Flavonoids
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • Micronutrients
  • Phenols
  • Polyphenols
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Vitamin E
  • Ascorbic Acid