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Nuts and Older Adults’ Health: A Narrative Review

Author

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  • Sze-Yen Tan

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

  • Siew Ling Tey

    (Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand)

  • Rachel Brown

    (Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand)

Abstract

Although the beneficial effects of nuts on cardiometabolic diseases have been well established, little is known about the effects of nuts on age-related diseases. Given that age-related diseases share many biological pathways with cardiometabolic diseases, it is plausible that diets rich in nuts might be beneficial in ameliorating age-related conditions. The objective of this review was to summarise the findings from studies that have examined the associations or effects of nut consumption, either alone or as part of the dietary pattern, on three major age-related factors—telomere length, sarcopenia, and cognitive function—in older adults. Overall, the currently available evidence suggests that nut consumption, particularly when consumed as part of a healthy diet or over a prolonged period, is associated with positive outcomes such as longer telomere length, reduced risk of sarcopenia, and better cognition in older adults. Future studies that are interventional, long-term, and adequately powered are required to draw definitive conclusions on the effects of nut consumption on age-related diseases, in order to inform dietary recommendations to incorporate nuts into the habitual diet of older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Sze-Yen Tan & Siew Ling Tey & Rachel Brown, 2021. "Nuts and Older Adults’ Health: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-26, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:1848-:d:499229
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Johannesson, Magnus & Johansson, Per-Olov, 1997. "Quality of life and the WTP for an increased life expectancy at an advanced age," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 65(2), pages 219-228, August.
    2. Yoona Kim & Jennifer B Keogh & Peter M Clifton, 2019. "Does Nut Consumption Reduce Mortality and/or Risk of Cardiometabolic Disease? An Updated Review Based on Meta-Analyses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-15, December.
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