THE elderly may be at increased risk of premature DEATH if they have low levels of a common baking ingredient.
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Low levels of bicarbonate may also indicate underlying and undiagnosed kidney problems.
Study author Dr Kalani Raphael, of the University of Utah, said: “What we found was that generally healthy older people with low levels of bicarbonate had a higher risk of death.”
The scientists wanted to look at the link between pH, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and associations with long-term survival in healthy older people.
They looked at data from nearly 2,300 participants in the Health Aging and Body Composition Study, focusing on older adults aged 70-79.
The researchers collected information over a course of 17 years, and each participant was followed for an average of 10 years.
In order to increase levels of bicarbonate in the blood, the scientists advise eating certain bicarbonate-boosting foods, such as fruit and vegetables.
Although the study found a link, researchers were unable to provide a direct cause and effect.
The team say fruit and vegetables may help boost bicarbonate levels
They do however believe their findings show regular testing should be commonplace amongst the older population.
Screening for levels is relatively easy and can be done via a blood test often as part of other screenings.
The study was published in the Clinical Journal of American Nephrology.
