Antioxidants May Improve Strength in Elderly

Antioxidants May Improve Strength in Elderly

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.--Higher intakes of antioxidants may improvemuscle strength and physical performance in the elderly, according to a studypublished in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (79, 2:289-94,2004) (www.ajcn.org). The study is part of thelarger Invecchiare in Chianti (InCHIANTI) study of 986 Italians over the age of65.

Subjects physical performance, walking speed, ability to rise from achair, knee extension strength and standing balance were assessed. All subjectscompleted questionnaires to determine dietary intake of vitamin C, vitamin E,vitamin A and beta-carotene. Plasma alpha- and gamma-tocopherol were alsomeasured. Researchers found intake of vitamins C, E and A imparted musclestrength and physical performance benefits.