Older adults are deficient in essential vitamins and minerals

We know that older adults are generally deficient in essential vitamins and minerals that help to stave off age-related diseases and even early death. Theresa A. Marshall, M.D. and colleagues published a study in the 2001 issue of Nutrition indicating that nutritional deficiencies greatly increase with age, and that supplement use eliminates these deficiencies in the elderly.

The researchers studied 420 seniors over the age of 78 and found:

• 80 percent of them consumed inadequate amounts of at least four nutrients.
• 75 percent did not consume enough folate, an important nutrient for heart disease and stroke prevention.
• 83 percent did not consume enough vitamin D
• 63 percent ate a calcium -deficient diet.

In another study, conducted between 1981-1984,researchers assessed the nutritional status of 747 non-institutionalized Massachusetts residents aged 60 years. Nine to 12 years later, the researchers examined the associations between intake of antioxidants (carotenoids and vitamins C and E) and mortality in this group of seniors. The results indicated that high intakes and plasma levels of antioxidant-rich vegetables and of supplemental vitamin C are protective against early mortality, and death from heart disease.

Overview:Nutritive Options for the Aging Population

Following is a reference guide that highlights the key nutrients that are associated with the prevention and/or treatment of prevalent health challenges that the aging population faces today, as described throughout this section.

Nutritive Options for the Aging Population (aged 50+)
A Quick Reference Guide

General Support: Calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, folate, and a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement
Alzheimer Disease: Spinach, grape seed extract, vitamin E, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin C, vitamin K, and a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement
Cataracts: Vitamin A
Cognitive Function: Vitamin B12, folate, Vitamin C, vitamin E, and spinach
Gastritis and Low Stomach Acid: Vitamin B12
Heart Disease: B vitamin complex, including vitamin B12 and folate
Immune Health: Multiple vitamin/mineral supplement, thiamine, vitamin E and selenium
Macular Degeneration: Vitamin C, vitamin E, Zinc, and a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement
Memory: Soy protein


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