Lower food intake among the elderly has been associated with lower intakes of calcium, iron, zinc, B vitamins, and vitamin E. This low energy intake or low nutrient density of the diet may increase the risk of diet-related illnesses.
Among elderly, deficiency of vitamin B12, B6 and folate are known to affect cognitive functioning and is accompanied with depressive symptoms prevalent among older adults [50, 51].
Important risk nutrients include protein; omega-3 fatty acids; dietary fiber; vitamins B6, B12, and E; calcium; magnesium; and potassium. Many older adults are not getting enough of these nutrients. On the other hand, too many older adults are getting too much folate and sodium.
Older people are prone to develop vitamin D deficiency because of various risk factors: decreased dietary intake, diminished sunlight exposure, reduced skin thickness, impaired intestinal absorption, and impaired hydroxylation in the liver and kidneys (11–13).
Elderly patients are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency due to several risk factors. These include diminished diet, certain medications, reduced sunlight exposure, thinning skin thickness, impaired intestinal absorption and impaired hydroxylation in the liver and kidneys.
Vitamin D deficiency is a common vitamin deficiency that causes issues with your bones and muscles. It most commonly affects people over the age of 65 and people who have darker skin. It's preventable and treatable.
Ageing is associated with a decline in a number of physiological functions that can impact nutritional status, including reduced lean body mass and a resultant decrease in basal metabolic rate, decreased gastric secretion of digestive juices and changes in the oral cavity, sensory function deficits, changes in fluid ...
Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency, with young children and premenopausal women at the highest risk of iron deficiency [21, 22].
Vitamin B12 deficiency is common among the elderly. Elderly people are particularly at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency because of the high prevalence of atrophic gastritis-associated food-cobalamin (vitamin B12) malabsorption, and the increasing prevalence of pernicious anaemia with advancing age.
4 Most Common Vitamin Deficiencies. The four most common vitamin deficiencies include vitamin D, B6 and B12, and folic acid. Other common nutritional deficiencies include iron, iodine, magnesium, and calcium.
Older people are at greater risk of micronutrient deficiencies, including immune-supportive vitamin C, which is both a contributor to and a consequence of acute and chronic illnesses.
While it's not uncommon for some older adults to have low vitamin C levels, serious vitamin C deficiency is rare. Most healthy older adults get all the vitamin C they need from eating a well-balanced diet that's rich in fruits and vegetables.
Aging patients have a much higher rate of protein catabolism and a harder time utilizing proteins. This can create a protein deficiency known as a negative nitrogen balance. Every body system is affected by protein deficiency because proteins are essential for the body's growth and repair.
Vitamin D deficiency is among the most common vitamin deficiencies as people age due to decreased mobility. Magnesium deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies.
Older adults who experience these psychosocial determinants are more likely to eat alone and often have chronically marginal nutrient intake, putting them at a greater risk for malnutrition [32].
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in the health of older adults. Vitamin B-12 is involved in making DNA, red blood cell formation, and proper nerve function1. While more research is needed, low vitamin B-12 levels have also been linked to increased bone fracture risk2.
Seniors need magnesium for energy production. Magnesium is necessary for the structural development of bones. Aging people require sufficient amounts of the mineral to strengthen bones. The mineral transports calcium across cell membranes, which contributes to normal heart rhythms.
Seniors need to include the following in their diets: Calcium and Vitamin D: Adults over the age of 70 need more calcium and vitamin D because they help maintain bone health. Choose calcium-rich foods and beverages and aim to eat three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products every day.
Older adults 70 years and above have higher vitamin D needs than younger adults. These needs are the same for both men and women. It's important to get the right amount of vitamin D. Too little can cause weak bones but too much can cause toxicity.
Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in the health of older adults. Over 99% of calcium found in the body is stored in the bones and teeth. Calcium plays a vital role in keeping the bones healthy and has a role in muscle function, nerve transmission, and hormone secretion1.
Vitamin D3 is recommended as the best option for supplementation of high doses (1). Vitamin D supplements typically come in 1,000 IU, 2,000 IU, or 5,000 IU increments.