3.6.1  Specific nutrient requirements in old age

An elderly person requires less energy than a younger individual due to reductions in muscle mass and physical activity. Some daily requirements for elderly people differ from those of younger adults. For example, in order to reduce the risk for age related bone loss and fracture, the requirement for vitamin D is increased from 200 IU/day to 400 in individuals of 51–70 years of age and to 600 IU/day for those over 70 years of age. Suggested iron intakes reduce however from 18 mg per day in women aged 19–50 to 8 mg/day after age 50, due to better iron conservation and decreased losses in postmenopausal women compared with younger women.

Some elderly people have difficulty getting adequate nutrition because of age or disease related impairments in chewing, swallowing, digesting and absorbing nutrients. Their nutrient status may also be affected by decreased production of chemicals to digest food (digestive enzymes), changes in the cells of the bowel surface and drug–nutrient interactions. Some elderly people demonstrate selenium deficiency, a mineral important for immune function. Impaired immune function affects susceptibility to infections and tumours (malignancies). Vitamin B6 helps to boost selenium levels, so a higher intake for people aged 51–70 is recommended.

Nutritional interventions should first emphasise healthy foods, with supplements playing a secondary role. Although modest supplementary doses of micronutrients can both prevent deficiency and support immune functions, very high dose supplementation (example, high dose zinc) may have the opposite effect and result in immune-suppression. Therefore, elderly people also need special attention with regard to nutritional care.