Question

Discuss the physiological basis for nutrient requirements for the adult individual through the elderly years.

Answer 1

Special attention must be paid to the provision of certain nutrients in the diet of elderly people. The nutritional requirements of older people have differences compared to other age groups because of decreased physical activity and metabolic rate.

Energy- Every person have specific energy requirements. For e.g underweight elderly people requires as increase in energy intake and overweight elderly people requires as decrease in energy intake.

Protein- The recommended protein intake is difficult to apply to all older people but a figure of 0.7-0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight should meet all requirements. It benefits in a reduction in diabetes and a low incidence of cancer in elderly people.

Vitamin D- This is often referred to as sunshine vitamin, there is always a risk of age related bone loss and fracture in elderly people. The daily recommended intake of vitamin D is 200IU- 400IU upto 70 yrs of age and up to 600IU in the 70 plus age group.

Vitamin B6 and selenium- In the case of elderly people they may feel age related difficulty in chewing, and swallowing, digesting and absorption of nutrients. Vitamin B6 and selenium play role in immune system. So that's why it's higher recommended to the elderly people.

Iron- Due to iron conservation and decreaseed loss of postmenopausal in elderly women iron intake decreased at the age of 50. And mucosal uptake of iron is independent of age.

Calorie- elderly people need low calorie intake compared to other groups because of decreased metabolic rate and physical activity.

Calcium and zinc- low to moderate amount of supplementation is accepted incase of elderly people because of some health problems related to immunosuppression and prostate cancer risk.

Alcohol- this will lead to a greater risk of dehydration, loss of nutrients and drug interactions and sleep disorders.

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