Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • Original Article
  • Published:

Clinical nutrition, enteral and parenteral nutrition

Serum trace elements and risk of malnutrition in institutionalised elderly

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 67, pages 155–160 (2013)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective:

The objective of this work is to evaluate the association between Selenium (Se)-, Copper (Cu)- and Zinc (Zn)-circulating concentrations and indicators of nutritional status.

Subjects/Methods:

This study enroled 428 institutionalised elderly. The diagnostic tools used are a form to collect data regarding gender, age, duration of stay in nursing home, number of prescribed drugs, chronic diseases, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), anthropometric measurements, albumin, transferrin and serum concentrations of Se, Cu and Zn. The collected data were analysed with descriptive assessments of the differences χ2, Student’s t-test and analysis of variance. Multivariate linear regression were performed to evaluate the association between the concentrations of each trace elements and the other variables.

Results:

The study population was represented by 327 women and 101 men, of whom 13.8% were 65–75 years old and 47.4% were older than 85 years. According to the MNA score, 58.4% were at risk of malnutrition and 21.3% were malnourished. The results show a significant reduction in the average concentrations of Se and Zn in women when the nutritional status gets worse. The same trend, although not statistically significant, is also observed in men. In both genders, the Cu concentration does not show a statistically significant association with nutritional status. Multivariate linear regression show some positive or negative associations.

Conclusions:

Our study seems to confirm the association between Se and nutritional status, as well as with some blood chemistry parameters. The length of institutionalisation seems to be an independent predictor of Se concentration.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Buy this article

  • Purchase on Springer Link
  • Instant access to full article PDF
Buy now

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Figure 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Sullivan JF, Blotcky AJ, Jetton MM, Hahn HKJ, Burch RE . Serum levels of selenium, calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese and zinc in various human diseases. J Nutr 1979; 109: 1432–1437.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Rayman MP . The importance of selenium to human health. Lancet 2000; 356: 233–241.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Asgari MM, Maruti SS, Kushi LH, White E . Antioxidant supplementation and risk of incident melanomas: results from a large prospective cohort study. Arch Dermatol 2009; 145: 879–882.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Akbaraly TN, Arnaud J, Rayman MP, Hininger Favier I, Roussel AM, Berr C et al. Plasma selenium and risk of dysglycemia in an elderly French population: results from the prospective epidemiology of Vascular Aging Study. Nutr Metab 2010; 18: 7–21.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Savarino L, Granchi D, Ciapetti G, Cenni E, Ravaglia G, Forti P et al. Serum concentrations of zinc and selenium in elderly people: results in healthy nonagenarians/centenarians. Exp Gerontol 2001; 36: 327–339.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Laclaustra M, Navas-Acien A, Stranges S, Ordovas JM, Guallar E . Serum selenium concentrations and hypertension in the US population. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2009; 2: 369–376.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Smith DK, Feldman EB, Feldman DS . Trace elements status in multiple sclerosis. Am J Clin Nutr 1989; 50: 136–140.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Smith AP, Lee NM . Role of zinc in ALS. Amyotroph Lateral Scler 2007; 8: 131–143.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Bellinger FP, Raman AV, Reeves MA, Berry MJ . Regulation and function of selenoproteins in human diseases. Biochem J 2009; 422: 11–22.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Fairweather-Tait SJ, Bao J, Broadley MR, Collings R, Ford D, Hesketh JE et al. Selenium in Human Health and Disease. Antioxid Redox Sign 2011; 14: 1337–1383.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Fairweather-Tait SJ, Collings R, Hurst R . Selenium bioavailability: current knowledge and future research requirements. Am J Clin Nutr 2010; 91 (suppl), 1484S–1491S.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Bunker VW, Hinks LJ, Stansfield MF, Lawson MS, Clayton BE . Metabolic balance studies for zinc and copper in housebound elderly people and the relationship between zinc balance and leukocyte zinc concentration. Am J Clin Nutr 1987; 46: 353–359.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. WHO & FAO. Vitamin and Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition 2nd Edition WHO: Geneva, 2004 pp 194–245.

  14. Durnin JVGA. Body composition and energy expenditure in elderly people. In: Somogyi JC, Fidanza F (eds Nutritional Problems of Elderly. S Karger: Basel. pp 16–30 1983.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Shatenstein B . Impact of health conditions on food intakes among older adults. J Nutr Elder 2008; 27: 333–361.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Donini LM, Savina C, Cannella C . Eating habits and apetite control in the elderly: the anorexia of aging. Int Psychogeriatr 2003; 15: 73–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Donini LM, Dominguez LJ, Barbagallo M, Savina C, Castellaneta E, Cucinotta D et al. Senile anorexia in different geriatric settings in Italy. J Nutr Health Aging 2011; 15: 775–781.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Council of Europe, Committee of expert on nutrition, food and consumer health. Nutrition in Care Homes and Home Care. Report and Recommendations: From Recommendations to Action. Council of Europe Publishing: Strasbourg, 2009.

  19. Suominen M, Muurinen S, Routasalo P, Soini H, Suur-Uski I, Peiponen A et al. Malnutrition and associated factors among aged residents in all nursing homes in Helsinki. Eur J Clin Nutr 2005; 59: 578–583.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Bissoli L, Zamboni M, Sergi G, Ferrari E, Bosello O . Linee guida per la valutazione della malnutrizione nell’anziano. Giorn Geront 2001; 49: 4–12.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Guigoz Y, Lauque S, Vellas BJ . Identifying the elderly at risk of malnutrition. The Mini Nutritional Assessment. Clin Geriatr Med 2002; 18: 737–757.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Salva A, Coll-Planas L, Bruce S, De Groot L, Andrieu S, Abellan G et al. Nutritional assessment of residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs): recommendations of the task force on nutrition and ageing of the IAGG European region and the IANA. J Nutr Health Aging 2009; 13: 475–483.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Gonzales S, Huerta JM, Fernandez S, Patterson AM, Lasheras C . Food intake and serum selenium concentration in elderly people. Ann Nutr Metab 2006; 50: 126–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Hambidge M . Biomarkers of trace mineral intake and status. J Nutr 2003; 133: 948S–955S.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Chuanxin C . A survey of the dietary nutritional composition of centenarians. CMJ 2001; 114: 1095–1109.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Ma J, Betts NM . Zinc and copper intakes and their major food sources for older adults in the 1994-96 continuing survey of food intakes by individuals (CSFII). J Nutr 2000; 130: 2838–2843.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. McClain CJ, McClain M, Barve S, Boosalis MG . Trace metals and elderly. Clin Geriatr Med 2002; 18: 801–818.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Bates CJ, Thane CW, Prentice A, Delves HT . Selenium status and its correlates in a British national diet and nutrition survey: people aged 65 years and over. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2002; 16: 1–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Bogden JD . Influence of zinc on immunity in the elderly. J Nutr Health Aging 2004; 8: 48–54.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Wapnir RA . Copper absorption and bioavailability. Am J Clin Nutr 1998; 67: 1054S–1060S.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Santomauro F, Baggiani L, Mantero S, Olimpi N, Comodo N, Bonaccorsi G . Stato nutrizionale negli anziani istituzionalizzati: applicazione dell’analisi bioimpedenziometrica. Ig Sanità Pubbl 2008; 64: 67–78.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Santomauro F, Olimpi N, Baggiani L, Comodo N, Mantero S, Bonaccorsi G . Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis and Mini Nutritional Assessment in elderly nursing home residents. J Nutr Health Aging 2011; 15: 163–167.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Cereda E . Mini nutritional assessment. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2012; 15: 29–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Nixon DE, Butz J, Eckdahl SJ, Burritt MF 2000 Determination of Selenium in serum and urine using the ELAN DRC ICP-MS. Available at http://www.perkinelmer.com.cn/CMSResources/Images/46–74165APP_ICPMassSeleniumInSerumUrine.pdf accessed on 17 November 2011.

  35. Apostoli P, Ferioli A, Buizza P, Gilberti ME, Migliorati P, Dal Farra M et al. Il monitoraggio biologico in medicina del lavoro. In: Spandrio L, Trattato italiano di medicina di laboratorio Volume II, Biochimica clinica speciale: Piccin, Padova, 1993.

  36. Pasquinelli F Diagnostica e Tecniche di Laboratorio Volume I, Rosini: Firenze, 2004.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Società Italiana Valori Di Riferimento Terza lista dei valori di riferimento per elementi, composti organici e loro metaboliti (eds.) 2005 Available at http://www.valoridiriferimento.it accessed on 17 November 2011.

  38. WHO. Trace Elements in Human Nutrition and Health. WHO: Geneva, 1996 pp 123–143.

  39. Ghayhor-Mobarhan M, Taylor A, New SA, Lamb DJ, Ferns GA . Determinants of serum copper, zinc and selenium in healthy subjects. Ann Clin Biochem 2005; 42: 364–375.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Wham CA, Teh RO, Robinson M, Kerse NM . What is associated with nutrition risk in very old age? J Nutr Health Aging 2011; 15: 247–251.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Donini LM, De Felice MR, Savina C, Coletti C, Paolini M, Laviano A et al. Predicting the outcome of long-term care by clinical and functional indices: the role of nutritional status. J Nutr Health Aging 2011; 15: 586–592.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We thank the Laboratory of Public Health, Local Health Authority of Florence (Italy) for analytical determinations.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

    G Bonaccorsi, C Lorini, G Bani Assad & F Santomauro

  2. Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Florence, Italy

    P Pepe

Authors
  1. G Bonaccorsi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. C Lorini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. G Bani Assad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. P Pepe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. F Santomauro
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to F Santomauro.

Ethics declarations

Competing interests

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bonaccorsi, G., Lorini, C., Bani Assad, G. et al. Serum trace elements and risk of malnutrition in institutionalised elderly. Eur J Clin Nutr 67, 155–160 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2012.195

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2012.195

Keywords

This article is cited by

Search

Advanced search

Quick links