Dietary total antioxidant capacity and frailty in Turkish community-dwelling and nursing home: cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: This study examines the relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity, frailty, and nutritional status in Turkish older adults living in the community and nursing homes.

Methods: This study included 160 older adults (50% female) living in the community (n = 80) and a nursing home (n = 80). Anthropometric measurements were taken, and BMI was calculated. Demographic characteristics, nutritional status (MNA-SF: Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form), frailty (FRAIL Scale), activities of daily living (Katz ADL), and three-day food consumption records were assessed. Dietary total antioxidant capacity was determined based on the three-day food consumption record.

Results: The mean ages of the groups were similar (72.5 ± 6.0 and 72.2 ± 5.9 years). Nursing home residents had significantly higher rates of chronic disease (91.3%) and regular medication use (90.0%) (p < 0.05). Overweight was more prevalent among community dwellers (50.0%, p < 0.05), while obesity was more common in nursing home residents (26.2%, p > 0.05). Frail (32.5%) and pre-frail (40.0%) rates were higher in nursing home residents compared to elderly community dwellers (21.2 and 38.8%, respectively). Dependence ratios were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). Community-dwelling participants had a lower risk of malnutrition. While their daily carbohydrate intake was lower, nursing home residents had higher intakes of protein, fat, ω-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins (except vitamin E), and minerals. Frailty showed a strong negative correlation with Katz (r = -0.56, p < 0.001) and MNA-SF scores (r = -0.44, p < 0.001), while weak positive correlations were observed with TRAP, TEAC, and FRAP3 values. A negative correlation was observed between the residential setting and TORAC (r = -0.424, p < 0.001), TRAP (r = -0.190, p < 0.001), TEAC (r = -0.257, p < 0.001), and total VCEAC (r = -0.241, p = 0.002) values.

Conclusion: Residential setting may affect nutrient intake, frailty, dietary total antioxidant capacity, and overall health in older adults.

Keywords: ADL; community; dietary total antioxidant capacity; frailty; malnutrition; nursing home; older adult.

Figure 1

Participants recruitment flow chart.

Figure 2

Association between KATZ, MNA-SF, frailty, and DTAC variables according to place of residence and frailty status.