Nutritional factors on longevity and quality of life in Japan.

The relationship of nutrient intakes to life expectancies in Japan since the Second World War has demonstrated that sufficient intakes of animal protein and fat are crucial for attaining longevity. In the community dwelling elderly, the higher the serum albumin was, the longer the further life expectancy in the elderly. Serum total cholesterol showed a U-shape relationship to further life expectancies in the elderly. Low serum cholesterol was deleterious for higher levels of functional capacity. Low serum cholesterol and low serum alpha-tochopherol accelerated depressive status in the community dwelling elderly. For reducing malnutrition and for improving nutritional status in undernourished elders, we carried out intervention trials. Instructions on how to prepare ideal daily meals were useful in functionally independent elders because a certain group of Japanese elderly has been stigmatized for eating meat. In frail elders provided with daily meals in a nursing home, a digestive enzyme drug was helpful for enhancing serum albumin levels.