Nutritional Markers, Homocysteine and Tea in association with Physical function in the older adults

Abstract

Nutritional factors as modifiable risk factors for physical function have not been adequately investigated, and published findings are inconsistent and/or insufficient. Little data is available for Asian populations. The objective of this study is to investigate aspects of the relationship between selected nutritional factors (albumin, hemoglobin, homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B-12), tea consumption, with physical functional status and performance in older adults aged 55 and above. The study showed that poor nutritional status was associated with poor physical performance. Low levels of albumin and hemoglobin are potentially useful risk markers of physical functional decline in older adults. Nutritional biomarkers may have modifier effect on physical functional performances. Hence, basic screening tests, for instance, Serum albumin test, should be done in Primary care clinics. Our findings suggested that in order to conduct good clinical practice, we first close the gap of the quality of life between the elderly who lives in urban and in rural areas.