Specific Nutrient Deficiencies That Are Common in the Elderly
Several nutrient deficiencies are especially common in the elderly. In general, these deficiencies result from eating less of the types of food that provide a particular nutrient or because of less efficient absorption of the nutrient.
Calcium: In older individuals, calcium moves out of the bones faster than it can be replaced. This results in weaker bones and increased risk of fractures and breaks. Although calcium is found in high concentrations in dairy products, and many products such as orange juice are fortified with calcium, many nutrition experts recommend that older individuals take calcium supplements.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D can be produced in the skin but requires exposure to sunlight. Elderly people are at risk for vitamin D deficiency because they tend to spend less time outside. Vitamin D deficiency can interfere with the body's ability to regulate calcium and can contribute to weakening of the bones. Common dietary sources of vitamin D include dairy products and fortified cereals.
Vitamins B6 and B12: These essential vitamins can be deficient in the elderly because of decreased intake and a decrease in the body's ability to absorb them. Both vitamins are important for nervous system function, metabolism of proteins and fats, and making red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is also important for immune system function. Dietary sources of vitamin B6 include meats, fish, legumes, leafy greens, potatoes, bananas, and fortified cereals. Vitamin B12 is contained only in animal foods and must be supplemented in people who follow a strict vegetarian diet.
Folate: Folate plays a variety of roles in maintaining good health. Recent evidence suggests that folate may be useful in protecting against heart disease. Elderly people who shy away from fruits and vegetables may risk not getting enough folate. Leafy greens (especially spinach), broccoli, asparagus, legumes, oranges (including orange juice), and fortified cereals are good sources of folate.
Water: In the elderly, the mechanism in the brain that detects dehydration is less sensitive. As a result, elderly people tend to drink less water because they don't feel thirsty. In addition, many elderly individuals intentionally restrict their water intake because of incontinence. Insufficient water intake can cause a variety of problems. A common problem associated with water intake in the elderly is constipation, which can result from not drinking enough fluids and not consuming enough fiber.
Pros and Cons of Multivitamins
Daily multivitamins can be used to help make sure that the person you care for gets the vitamins and minerals he needs. There are several multivitamins on the market that have been formulated especially for the elderly.
Fee says that for elderly individuals, multivitamins can act as "an insurance policy to make sure they get nutrients that they aren't getting in their daily food intake."
She also recommends a calcium supplement.
However, Fee warns that multivitamin pills are not a substitute for a healthy diet.
"Even though people take a supplement, they need to choose nutritious foods," she says.
Moreover, just because taking one pill is beneficial doesn't mean that taking two or three is even better. Taking vitamins and minerals in doses that greatly exceed the recommended daily allowances can be downright dangerous for the elderly, who are slower to clear the excess from their bodies.
Answered by
J .
, an ibibo Specialist,
at
11:46 AM on June 14, 2008