Gender differences in the relationship between the nutrient composition of the diet and biochemical indicators of nutritional status in elderly and senile individuals with nutrition-related diseases

Aim. To determine the nature of the relationship between the nutrient composition of the diet and biochemical indicators of nutritional status in men and women aged 60 – 90 years with nutrition-related diseases, identifying gender-specific features of these correlations.

Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 350 participants aged 60 to 90 years, including elderly individuals (60 – 74 years) and senile individuals (75 – 90 years). The following indicators of nutritional status were assessed: аnthropometry (body weight, height, and body mass index); dietary assessment (analysis of the average daily diet with determination of macro- and micronutrient intake); biochemical analysis (determination of blood glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, urea, and triglyceride levels); statistical analysis (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationships). Correlation strength was interpreted as weak (r = 0.1 – 0.3), moderate (r = 0.3 – 0.5), and strong (r > 0.5). The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results and discussion. In men, body mass index showed a positive correlation with glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Protein, fat, and vitamins A, E, and B1 intake were associated with increased creatinine and urea levels, reflecting active metabolic processes.

In women, the correlations between nutrients and biochemical indicators were weaker and multidirectional: glucose levels were negatively correlated with carbohydrate intake and dietary energy value, while urea levels were positively associated with calcium and tocopherol intake.

Thus, men demonstrated more pronounced and systemic relationships between nutrient composition and metabolic indicators, indicating gender-specific metabolic regulation features.

Conclusions. Elderly men exhibited stronger correlations between nutrient composition and biochemical indicators than women. In women, these correlations were weaker and multidirectional, likely due to physiological and hormonal characteristics of aging. The findings confirm the importance of considering gender differences when assessing nutritional status and developing personalized dietary recommendations for the prevention of nutrition-related diseases.

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