[Influence of gerodietetic meat pate on metabolic parameters in the elderly: the role of vitamin B12].

Many studies indicate essential nature of food in maintaining health. An important factor is the consumption of a variety of essential elements, in particular vitamins. The aim was to determine the relationship of vitamin B12 levels in serum with metabolic parameters and the possibility of correction using gerodietetic meat pate. A total of 23 older people (60-80 years) were surveyed. We determined index mass body, waist circumference, biochemical indicators, vitamin B12 concentration in serum and food consumption (by frequency method). We also measured changes in these parameters under the influence of eating gerodietetic meat pate. The older adults often demonstrate deficient in vitamin B12 in the blood (about 65 % of the surveyed), which may be contributed both by its lack of dietary intake and malabsorption due to pathological changes in the digestive system. The content of vitamin B12 in the blood of the elderly has been closely linked to metabolic indicators and body mass. Using gerodietetic meat pate promoted not only the elimination of vitamin B12 deficiency, but also significantly improved the biochemical markers of protein, and especially lipid metabolism in the elderly (decreased low-density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein increased).

[The effect of the composition of food rations on the free amino acid content and the indices of the acid-base balance in the blood during aging]. / Vliianie sostava pishchevykh ratsionov na soderzhanie svobodnykh aminokislot i pokazateli kislotno-osnovnogo sostoianiia v syvorotke krovi pri starenii.

In experiments on aging rats fed 5 different rations by protein, tryptophan, prevailing base or acid equivalents it was found that tryptophan and plant protein deficiency, high levels of acid equivalents affect serum amino acid composition, aggravates acidosis. Restriction of basic food substances intake in parallel with prevalence of base equivalents made amino acid pool optimal, increased base serum reserves and contributed to longer life-span.

[Bases of rational nutrition in old age]. / Obosnovanie ratsional'nogo pitaniia v starosti.

Current theoretical concepts of gerontological dietetics have been analysed. Elaboration of rational nutrition patterns for the old should rest on the age-specific metabolic and functional changes in the organism. A possibility of influencing the acid-base balance of the blood, immunity, and intestinal microflora by means of a goal-oriented diet has been demonstrated. The alimentary factors, which have been revealed during studies of actual nutrition patterns in the regions of high-longevity (Abkhazia and Azerbaidjan) and low-longevity (Ukraine), and which may have some relevance to longevity, are discussed. The necessity of the nutrition rationalization for the old has been grounded, which may be achieved by lowering food caloric protein and fat contents, by increasing carbohydrate and fibre proportions, and by saturating food with the nutrients capable of geroprotective effects, which is possible when milk and vegetable products are predominant in the diet and new food products for the old are included in it.

[Effect of protein on the acid-base equilibrium of animals of different ages]. / Vliianie belka na kislotno-shchelochnoe ravnovesie u zhivotnykh raznogo vozrasta.

The effect of protein on acid-base balance (ABB) was studied in young and old male white rats. The shifts developing in the ABB system were found to be related to the age of animals and to protein metabolism characteristics. Administration of protein resulted in acidosis that was more manifest and prolonged in old animals. A close relationship was observed between acidotic changes in the ABB system and blood serum levels of amino acids.

[Effects of fats of diverse nature on the acid-base equilibrium in animals of various ages]. / Vliianie zhirov razlichnoi prirody na kislotno-shchelochnoe ravnovesie u zhivotnykh raznogo vozrasta.

The effects of fats of different origin (butter, sunflower oil, butter margarine) on the acid-base equilibrium (ABE) were studied in young and old animals (white male rats). The shifts developing within the ABE system were determined by the nature of the fat and the animals' age. Intake of butter and margarine entailed the development of acidosis which was more demonstrable in old animals whereas vegetable oil did not produce any appreciable effect. A close relationship was discovered between acidosis in the ABE system and lipidemia as well as the fatty acid composition of the fats under study.

[Age-specific peculiarities of the acid base balance and the influence of various diets]. / Alternsspezifische Besonderheiten des Säuren-Basen-Gleichgewichts und seine Beeinflussung durch verschiedene alimentäre Einwirkungen.

The acid-base balance was studied in animals (486 male white rats) belonging to two age groups, one young (4 to 5 months) and the other old (24 to 28 months), as was the influence exercised by various diets. With growing age we found a rising trend towards a decrease in blood pH and a statistically significant increase in PCO2 in association with an insignificant decrease in the parameters for the system's metabolic element. Functional tests carried out by adding acidifying or alkalizing substances showed a declining reliability of the organism's puffer systems and a deminished reserve capacity of the regulatory mechanisms of the acid-base balance with growing age. We found that various nutrients (fats, proteins and carbohydrates) have a different impact on the acid-base balance in animals of various ages. While animals fats and proteins produce metabolic acidosis, carbohydrates produce metabolic alkalosis. We discovered some of the mechanisms responsible for the changes observed in the acid-base balance of both young and old animals. Our experiments showed light on the close relationship existing between the acid-base balance and the character and the nature of nutrients, thus convincingly demonstrating the possibility of active alimentary control of the organism's internal state.

[Age characteristics of acid-base equilibrium and the blood coagulation system in starvation]. / Vozrastnye osobennosti kislotno-shchelochnogo ravnovesiia i sistemy gemokoaguliatsii pri golodanii.

The state of the acid-base balance and of the blood coagulation system was studied in starvation of young (5-6-month-old) and old (24-26-month-old) male rats during starvation. The periods of the maximal changes coincided in both systems; in the young animals the onset of the acidotic crisis and hypercoagulation development occurred earliear and were more pronounced. Old animals proved to be more resistant to the conditions of starvation and died later than the young ones.