Diet and overall survival in a cohort of very elderly people.
Fortes C, Forastiere F, Farchi S, Rapiti E, Pastori G, Perucci CA.

Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Authority, Rome,
Italy.

We conducted a 5-year cohort study among 162 self-sufficient residents
in a public home for the elderly in Rome, Italy, to evaluate the
association between the consumption of specific food groups and
nutrients and overall 5-year survival. We used a validated,
semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire to assess diet at
baseline. Individuals consuming citrus fruit at least twice a week had
an adjusted risk of dying that was half that of individuals who
consumed citrus fruit less than once a week [relative risk (RR) =
0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.28-0.95] (with adjustment for
gender, age, education, body mass index, smoking status, cognitive
function, and chronic diseases). The adjusted RRs of mortality were
0.38 (95% CI = 0.14-1.01) for consumption of milk and yogurt at least
three times a week vs less than once a week; 0.21 (95% CI = 0.08-0.35)
for moderate consumption of espresso coffee (1-2 cups weekly) vs less
than once a week; and 0.35 (95% CI = 0.17-0.69) for > 2 cups a week of
espresso coffee vs less than once a week. High levels of intake of
ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and linoleic acid were associated with
50-60% decreases in mortality risk. High consumption of meat was
associated with a higher risk of mortality (RR = 9.72; 95% CI =
2.68-35.1) among subjects with chronic diseases. Our findings indicate
that frequent consumption of citrus fruit, milk, and yogurt; low
consumption of meat; and high intake of vitamin C, riboflavin, and
linoleic acid are associated with longevity.