The association of the nutritional status with hematological indicators, liver function and serum level of CRP among elderly athletes and non-athletes in the Neyshabour Longitudinal Study on Ageing

Abstract

and MCV showed a significant positive association with fat intake in adjusted models (p=0.002, 0.031), whereas in athletes, only changes in fat intake during phase two were significantly positively associated with MCH (p=0.004, 0.025). Additionally, in non-athletes, fat intake in one adjusted model had a significant negative association with PLT (p=0.035). Body composition indices such as BFM, BMI, and WHR were significantly positively associated with ALT in both groups (p<0.001, 0.023). Moreover, carbohydrate and fat intake in athletes (p<0.001, 0.009) and WHR in non-athletes (p<0.001) showed a significant positive association with hs-CRP. Conclusion: The present study highlights the importance of healthy nutrition and regular physical activity in improving hematologic indices, liver function, and reducing inflammation in older adults. Seniors who maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity experience greater health benefits, including lower inflammatory markers, making them more resilient to chronic diseases and age-related health issues. Considering the growing elderly population and their associated health challenges, the findings of this study emphasize the necessity of adopting a healthy lifestyle during aging. These results can serve as a valuable guide for developing health programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults and reducing healthcare costs related to age-associated diseases. Keywords: Aging, Nutritional status, athlete, Elderly athlete, Hematological indicators, Liver function, Alanine transaminases, Aspartate transaminases, C-reactive protein, aging