05.02.11
While only one in 10 American adults eats enough fruits and vegetables, new research finds older adults are consuming higher levels of carotenoids, flavonoids and other phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables that are thought to support healthy aging. Specifically, the new findings suggest that, calorie for calorie, intakes of carotenoids are 20% higher, flavonoids 40% higher and ellagic acid 80% higher among older adults compared to younger ones.
This new phase of ongoing research, funded by Nutrilite Health Institute, compares energy-adjusted phytonutrient intakes between younger (19-44 years), middle aged (45-64 years) and older adults (65+ years) to better understand if and how intakes vary by age. In addition to the carotenoid and flavonoid shortfalls observed among younger adults, new data indicate that energy adjusted resveratrol intake (excluding wine) is 50% 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. “We know that 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, PhD, technology strategist for Nutrilite.
This new phase of ongoing research, funded by Nutrilite Health Institute, compares energy-adjusted phytonutrient intakes between younger (19-44 years), middle aged (45-64 years) and older adults (65+ years) to better understand if and how intakes vary by age. In addition to the carotenoid and flavonoid shortfalls observed among younger adults, new data indicate that energy adjusted resveratrol intake (excluding wine) is 50% 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. “We know that 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, PhD, technology strategist for Nutrilite.