Introduction: Sugar is widely consumed and excessive intake has been associated
with increased risk of weight gain, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases,
leading to metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). However, the association between sugar
intake and MetSyn has seldom been studied among multi-ethnic Malaysian older
adults.
Methods: A total of 1,057 respondents aged ≥60 years were recruited through
multistage random sampling from selected states. Anthropometric parameters, blood
pressure, blood test for sugar and lipid profile were determined. Dietary intake was
derived using a 7-day dietary history questionnaire (DHQ) and a semi-quantitative
food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for added sugar intake.
Results: Prevalence of
MetSyn was 39.9%, 30.9% and 42.2% using the harmonised definition, International
Diabetes Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult
Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) definitions respectively. Mean total sugar intake
was 40.5±32.0 g (8 tsp) and added sugar intake was 33.0±31.0 g (6 tsp). Excessive
added sugar consumption at 100th percentile increased risks of high total cholesterol
by two-fold (p
Aging is associated with increased risk of frailty and malnutrition. However, food insecurity has rarely been highlighted
in the elderly population, especially among the low income group. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted to
determine the association between nutritional status, food insecurity and frailty among elderly in low income residences
in Klang Valley. A total of 72 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above was selected (mean age 66 ± 6 years) through
convenient sampling. Participants were interviewed to obtain information on socio-demographic, health status, food
insecurity and cognitive status. Anthropometrics parameters and frailty assessments was measured using standard
criteria. Results showed that 75.0% of the participants had abdominal obesity. Nearly half of the participants were
overweight (41.7%), followed by normal (43.0%) and underweight (15.3%). With respect to food insecurity, most of them
reported that they had enough food (93.1%). There were significant correlation (p < 0.05) between food insecurity with
height (r = -0.263, p = 0.026). Most of the participants were pre-frail (58.3%), frail (27.8%) and followed by non-frail
(13.9%). Calcium intake is inversely associated with frailty (t = -2.62, p = 0.011). In conclusion, food insecurity was not
a problem, however, half of the subjects were overweight and pre-frail. Three out four subjects had abdominal obesity.
There is a need to investigate further the pathogenesis of fat frail in this low income elderly population and formulate
effective intervention strategies.