Preface

Section I: Overview Health and Aging. In some countries, longevity continues to increase as it did in the 20th century. How to maximize this through personal choice and medical advice is vital. Vissavajjhala provides an overview of the role of nutrients in this process. Then specific organs are reviewed. Sparavigna investigates the function of the skin and appearance. Juarez-Cedillo notes the changes in nutritional needs in seniors. Castonguay searches the literature for hypothalamic control of appetite through sugars and glucocorticoids. Then Soenen further expands on regulation of appetite in the healthy elderly. Oza et al. describe fibromyalgia syndrome though nutrient intake and obesity in seniors. It is important to know what nutrients to assess, which Kotot and coworkers review.

Section II: Nutrients (Vitamins and Minerals) in Health in Aging Adults. Specific vitamins appear to play important functions in the aging process and may need supplementation. Veronese, Manzato, and Sergi evaluate vitamin D and diabetes because of vitamin D’s reputation for enhancing health. Maier and coworkers expand this review with a discussion of vitamin D in orthopedic patients. Doley reviews the arena of vitamins and minerals related to the causes and treatment of their deficiency in elderly patients. Then Bonetti and coauthors further expand and focus on B vitamins and choline in brain function and cognition. Wong supports the role of vitamin deficiency as a problem for seniors by describing vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults. Finally, Cook-Mills reviews vitamin E isoform-specific function in allergic inflammation and asthma.

Section III: Dietary Supplements and Herbs, Functional Foods, in Health in Aging Adults. Martinez and coauthors review health of the colon as modified by age and polyphenols. Bonetti et al. review cognitive decline in the elderly, especially as modified by nootropics, functional foods, and diet as therapies. Klosek and authors described the use chalcones as modified by tumor necrosis factor treatment of cancer chemoprevention. Sun reviews calorie restriction mimetics from functional foods. The review further can therefore lengthen the life span, which is also reviewed. Huhn and Witte describe the grape extract resveratrol to prevent and treat mental decline in cognitive diseases. Maya-Luevano and Ferreira review dietary extracts on sexual function in aging using native plant materials from North America.

Section IV: Protein and Energy in Health and Growth of Elderly. López-Lluch reviews coenzyme Q10, which plays a role in energy metabolism as related to aging, and reduced exercise. Albaugh reviews the amino acid arginine and its effects on the bodily activities as well as cell function in older adults. Finally, Kubena reviews foods high and low in cholesterol and their effect on healthy aging and accelerated decline.