Nuts and Older Adults’ Health: A Narrative Review

Sze-Yen Tan, Siew Ling Tey and Rachel Brown
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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

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-26

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.

Keywords: nuts; older adults; ageing; quality of life; telomere; sarcopenia; cognition; diet quality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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