Older Adults Get More Phytonutrients

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Older adults are consuming higher levels of carotenoids, flavonoids and other phytonutrients compared to younger Americans, according to new research being presented at the Experimental Biology meeting this week in Washington. Specifically, the new findings suggest, calorie for calorie, intakes of carotenoids are 20-percent higher, flavonoids 40-percent higher and ellagic acid is 80-percent higher among older compared to younger adults.

In addition to the carotenoid and flavonoid shortfalls observed among younger adults, the new data indicated energy-adjusted resveratrol intake (excluding wine) is 50-percent higher in older adults versus younger adults, while adjusted intakes of lycopene are similar between age groups and allicin intake (found in garlic) by older adults is lower.

Carrots were the number one source of beta-carotene in the average Americans diet, grapes were the number one source of anthocyanidins and strawberries were the top food choice for ellagic acid, according to the research.

The poster Phytonutrient density of diets consumed by adults in the United States," funded by Nutrilite Health Institute, compared energy-adjusted phytonutrient intakes between younger (19 to 44 years), middle aged (45 to 64 years) and older adults (65+ years).

 We know Americans of all ages are missing out on the protective benefits of phytonutrients, but most troubling is our new finding that shortfalls are greatest among younger adults the very ones who could most benefit from a lifetime of consumption," said Keith Randolph, Ph.D., technology strategist for Nutrilite. Our data hit home the point that we need to increase accessibility to, and awareness of, the quality of fruits and vegetables, not just the quantity. Its eating the most phytonutrient-rich foods every day that likely translates into healthier aging, so getting the younger generations to choose the most phytonutrient-rich options whenever possible can make a big difference to the nations health."

Previous related research also supported by the Nutrilite Health Institute found that eight in 10 Americans have a phytonutrient gap," meaning they fall short in consuming key phytonutrients from foods including fruits and vegetables that could benefit their health. Additional findings from that research showed while most Americans do not meet recommended intakes of fruits and vegetables, women 65 years and older were doing the best with a mere 12 percent meeting intake recommendations.

The analyses supporting this body of research were conducted by Exponent for Nutrilite Health Institute. The dataset comes from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), surveys that capture what Americans eat daily; supplemental nutrient concentration data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); and the published literature. Fourteen phytonutrients were analyzed including carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene); flavonoids (anthocyanidins, epigallocatechin 3-gallate [EGCG], hesperitin, isoflavones, quercetin); phenolics (ellagic acid, resveratrol);allicin and isothiocyanates. The study population includes non-pregnant, non-lactating NHANES respondents ages 19 years and older with two complete and reliable 24-hour dietary recalls based on NHANES criteria. MyPyramid guidance for fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, which is based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, was used to assess the percent of adults consuming recommended intakes of fruits and vegetables.