Malnutrition is associated with lower oxygen radical absorbance capacity in older adults: a cross-sectional study

Reactive oxygen species may play a significant role in the aging process, and there is currently limited research that assesses the correlation between oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and malnutrition. A total of 157 geriatric outpatients were recorded all the meals they consumed within a 24-hour period and the Bebis version 8 application was used to analyze. Furthermore, all individuals performed a nutritional assessment using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF). The median [IQR] age of participants was 71.0 [10.0] ranged between (65–95) years and; 65% (n = 102) were female. Patients were divided into two categories (i.e., ORAC < 5000 and ORAC ≥ 5000 groups). The median value of the MNA-SF score was significantly lower in ORAC < 5000 group. (p = 0.005) MNA-SF score was positively correlated with ORAC values (r = 0.230, p = 0.004). In binary logistic regression analysis, higher MNA-SF scores were associated with lower odds of low ORAC in the unadjusted model (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.71–0.98, p = 0.035). In the multivariable model adjusted for age, sex, BMI, frailty status, and energy intake, MNA-SF remained independently associated with low ORAC (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71–0.99, p = 0.036). Higher energy intake (kcal/kg/day) was also independently associated with reduced odds of low ORAC (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90–0.99, p = 0.014). Our findings highlight the potential benefits of increasing dietary ORAC values in the treatment of malnutrition. It is important to take into account the inadequate levels of antioxidants in the food intake of malnutrition.