Here is an under-the-radar reason why some older people may have inadequate nutritional status: They are chomping down on their meals with dentures.
An investigation in the Journal of Prosthodontics found people with dentures had decreases in certain nutrition biomarkers, such as serum albumin, protein and serum calcium, over 2 years, compared with those who did not have them.
The study, which included dental and health records for more than 10,000 patients in the state of Indiana, found the lower marker levels were still within the normal range, but researchers said they could decrease with passing time.
We should not overlook that oral health treatments may affect individuals’ overall health over time. Dentures can be uncomfortable and do not provide the same chewing efficiency, which may unintentionally alter eating habits.
See also: Wisdom Teeth Removal and Taste
Matthew Kadey, MS, RD
Matthew Kadey, MS, RD, is a James Beard Award–winning food journalist, dietitian and author of the cookbook Rocket Fuel: Power-Packed Food for Sport + Adventure (VeloPress 2016). He has written for dozens of magazines, including Runner’s World, Men’s Health, Shape, Men’s Fitness and Muscle and Fitness.
