As we age a number of physiological changes occur. These changes include a general deterioration in the efficiency of most physiological parameters. In relation to nutrition, a reduction in the ability of the gastrointestinal tract to absorb nutrients occurs, and this relates to changes to the metabolic rate and efficiency of the absorptive surface. This means that the absorption of many of the essential nutrients is reduced and as a result chronic undernutrition can be present unless care is taken to optimise diet. Another factor related to this is a general reduction in metabolic rate and appetite that can decrease the quantity if food eaten. As we age then, the amount of food we eat decreases and the nutrients within this food are absorbed less efficiently. Obtaining high quality nutrition made up of food which are dense in essential nutrients therefore becomes more important as we age. The importance of a multivitamin and mineral supplement also becomes more important.
Eat Well, St at Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
