A new
report exploring the nutritional demands of ageing has revealed how
older people are at greater risk of ill-health because of poor
nutrition.
The ‘Hidden
Health Challenges’ report
issued by the Proprietary Association of Great Britain reveals many
over-50s are set to enjoy more years of life but at the expense of
quality of life due to diets that fail to meet the specific needs of
ageing and a slower metabolism.
The
report identifies 3 factors involved in ageing: inflammation,
oxidative stress and metabolic stress, and discusses the role of
nutrition in managing these issues.
Nutrient
deficiencies such as vitamin B12, vitamin A, zinc, omega-3 fats,
calcium, iron, vitamin D, folic acid and vitamin K are common in the
elderly, and increase the risk of conditions including heart disease,
stroke, diabetes, cognitive
impairment and osteoporosis.
Commenting
on the findings Dr
Katherine Appleton from Bournemouth University said: “We are living
longer but we are not living better. Far too many of these extra
years are being spent in frail health. Repeated studies show a
healthy diet protects against heart disease, cancers, diabetes and
other serious conditions.”
Poor
nutrient absorption is a common problem in older adults as stomach
acid levels naturally decline with age and can be further compounded
by frequent use of antacid and PPI (proton-pump inhibitor)
medications for heartburn and reflux. Low levels of stomach
acid means minerals like iron and calcium, and vitamins such as
B12 cannot be effectively absorbed from foods. In addition, gut
bacteria levels can be affected by medications and poor bowel
function.
A varied
diet can optimise food sources of vital antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory nutrients and it is sensible to back this up with a
good quality, bio-available multi-nutrient formula and omega-3
supplement. Extra vitamin D will be required during
the winter months and possibly through summer too if an elderly
person is housebound.
Original
article reproduced with permission from Nutri
Gold Nutritional Supplements.
Learn more about Nutri Gold and their nutritional supplements.
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