Higher intake of dietary flavonols, specifically dietary quercetin, is associated with lower odds of frailty onset over 12 years of follow-up among adults in the Framingham Heart Study
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Polyphenolic antioxidants derived from plant foods may reduce oxidative stress and frailty, but the effect of the polyphenol subclass of dietary flavonoids and their subclasses on frailty is uncertain.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the association between dietary flavonoids, their subclasses, quercetin (a specific flavonol) and frailty onset in adults.
DESIGN
This prospective cohort study included individuals from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) with no frailty at baseline. Intake of total flavonoids, subclasses of flavonoids (flavonols, flavan-3-ols, flavonones, flavones, anthocyanins, and polymeric flavonoids), and quercetin were estimated via semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) along with frailty (Fried phenotype), and covariates at baseline (1998-2001). Frailty was re-evaluated in 2011-2014. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each flavonoid variable and frailty onset.
RESULTS
Mean age was 58.4 years (SD ± 8.3, n=1,701; 55.5% women). Mean total flavonoid intake was 309 mg/day (SD ± 266). After 12.4 (SD ± 0.8) years, 224 (13.2%) individuals developed frailty. While total flavonoid intake was not statistically associated with frailty onset [adjusted OR-1.00; 95%CI: 0.99-1.01], each 10 mg/day of flavonols intake was linked with 20% lower odds of frailty onset [OR-0.80; 95%CI: 0.67-0.96]. Other subclasses showed no association (p-values range: 0.12-0.99), but every 10 mg/day of quercetin intake was…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 1,701 participants or records.
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