Nutrients like vitamin D and vitamin B12 potentially play a part in the risk of multimorbidity

In a recent study published in BMC Public Health, researchers explored the link between nutrient intake and multimorbidity, a significant concern worldwide, especially among older individuals. Multimorbidity raises mortality, hospitalization, functional decline, depression, and polypharmacy, and reduces quality of life, straining healthcare systems.

Nutrition is crucial in preventing multimorbidity, with unhealthy eating habits possibly increasing the risk while diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and Mediterranean diets may decrease it. However, more research is needed to identify effective dietary interventions.

In this prospective cohort study, researchers analyzed data from the UK Women’s Cohort Study involving 25,389 females aged 35 to 69 years. Participants reported baseline chronic diseases and dietary intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaires. Multimorbidity was evaluated using Charlson comorbidity index scores linked to hospital records.

The study found that higher calorie and protein intakes increased multimorbidity risk, while higher vitamin C consumption reduced it. However, higher vitamin D and B12 intakes were associated with increased multimorbidity risk. Iron intake was adversely linked to multimorbidity risk in women under 60 years old.