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The Most Common Dietary Deficiencies In Seniors
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Still, they may fall short of needed nutrients. Seniors are at risk for dietary deficiencies for a lot of reasons which range from the decreased ability of the body to absorb certain key nutrients, declining appetite and senses of taste and smell, behavioural changes such as forgetfulness, underlying illnesses and difficulty in chewing or swallowing. Therefore, several key nutrients will be in limited supply leading to the development of certain dietary deficiencies.
Now I will provide you with everything you need to know about the most common dietary deficiencies in seniors, their causes and how to prevent them. So, without further ado, let’s get started, shall we?
Still, they may fall short of needed nutrients. Seniors are at risk for dietary deficiencies for a lot of reasons which range from the decreased ability of the body to absorb certain key nutrients, declining appetite and senses of taste and smell, behavioural changes such as forgetfulness, underlying illnesses and difficulty in chewing or swallowing. Therefore, several key nutrients will be in limited supply leading to the development of certain dietary deficiencies.
Now I will provide you with everything you need to know about the most common dietary deficiencies in seniors, their causes and how to prevent them. So, without further ado, let’s get started, shall we?
The Most Common Dietary Deficiencies In Seniors
Here are some of the most common dietary deficiencies in seniors. Take a look.
Protein
Proteins are major components of bones, immune factors, muscles, blood and digestive enzymes. They are essential for immune and muscle health, maintenance of water balance as well as in the transport and storage of other nutrients.
Unfortunately, ageing causes what’s referred to as “anabolic resistance,” where older adults become resistant to the effects of protein for maintaining muscle size and strength. This means that older adults require more protein than their younger counterparts to achieve the same muscle stimulating effects.
Prevention
Seniors can meet their protein requirements by eating protein-rich diets properly spaced throughout the day for optimal absorption.
The best sources of protein are animal-based such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products, but plant sources like soy, beans, and legumes tend to be absorbed by the body to a reduced degree. Drinking nutritional supplements between meals can help older adults meet their protein needs.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is necessary for bone health, blood sugar regulation, immune and muscle function. It is different from other vitamins because the skin can make it from sunlight.
However, seniors are vulnerable to deficiencies in vitamin D because ageing lowers the production of vitamin D in the skin from sunlight. Moreover, older adults generally spend less time outdoors because they are physically limited.
Prevention
Natural sources of vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon and tuna and eggs. Foods commonly fortified with vitamin D include orange juice, milk, yoghurt, and breakfast cereals. It may be difficult for seniors to have enough vitamin D from the diet alone.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fats that help the health of the heart, brain, lungs and immune system. The most common are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
High intake of these fatty acids has been linked with a decreased risk of age-related complications like vision loss, macular degeneration.
Prevention
The best sources are walnuts, flaxseed oil and fatty fish like mackerel, herring and salmon. In addition, supplements like fish or krill oil offer a way to obtain more omega-3 fatty acids.
Conclusion
There are different age-related risk factors that can cause dietary deficiencies in seniors. Some of the most common dietary deficiencies include vitamins D and B12, protein and omega-3 fatty acids Understanding why older adults are at an increased risk for these deficiencies and how to prevent them are key for healthy ageing.
