Study involving a cohort of adults who were enrolled in the initial SU.VI.MAX trial (a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial launched in 1994 to test the impact of daily nutritional doses of anti-oxidant vitamins and minerals administrated over 8 years). The main objective of the SU.VI.MAX2 study was to investigate the relationships between overall dietary behaviours (dietary patterns) and/or specific nutritional factors (intake or blood concentrations of anti-oxidants, folate, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), protein and energy intake) and quality of aging. The exposure variables were estimated from data collected during 1994-1996 (eg, baseline SU.VI.MAX data). The aging outcomes were evaluated 10-12 years later (2007-2009). Using self-administrated questionnaires and clinico-biological examinations, we collected information on cognitive function, mood, wellbeing, social integration, nutritional status, bone health, balance impairment, sensory problems, physical performance and mobility and prevalent diseases. Neuro-psychological examinations were performed by health professionals recruited specifically for this purpose.

The study was carried out on a sample of 7,000 subjects: 3,500 women and 3,500 men aged 55-70 years who had volunteered to participate in this post-supplementation observational follow-up.