Reduced serum vitamin E predicts physical decline in older individuals

The January 23, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association published the finding of Benedetta Bartali, RD, PhD, of Yale University School of Medicine and colleagues that having reduced serum levels of vitamin E, an indicator of poor nutrition, is significantly associated with a decline in physical function among men and women aged 65 and older.

The current study included 698 participants in the Invecchiare in Chianti (InCHIANTI) study of risk factors contributing to physical function decline among aging men and women living in Tuscany, Italy. Examinations of the participants were performed upon enrollment from November, 1998 through May, 2000 and tests of physical function, including walking speed, chair rises, and standing balance, were conducted. Fasting blood samples were evaluated for serum concentrations of folate, vitamins B6, B12, D, E (alpha-tocopherol), and iron. Reassessment of physical function occurred at three-year follow-up examinations which took place between 2001 and 2003. Continue Reading