Nutritional deficiencies in the elderly
For Phytocea by Léa Bathily, Dietitian
Throughout our lives, the complex machinery that is our body faces nutritional needs that vary according to its different physiological states. In any case, these needs must be met by a varied and sufficient food intake to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
What is a nutritional deficiency?
A nutritional deficiency is defined as an “absence or insufficiency of certain elements essential for the balance and physical development of an individual.” From a nutritional point of view, it is more precisely a deficiency in macronutrients and/or micronutrients that leads to detrimental consequences on the proper functioning of the body, and consequently on health.
Why are older people likely to be deficient in nutrients?
According to ANSES (the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), elderly people are defined as those aged 65 and over. This population group is among the most vulnerable to the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Several factors explain this phenomenon.
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The decrease in food intake occurs despite nutritional needs remaining unchanged or even increasing in some situations. In France, average energy intake decreases by approximately 13% among the elderly. This reduction in intake is most often explained by a decrease in appetite (caused by an altered sense of taste) and by difficulties eating (caused by swallowing disorders, digestive problems, or dental conditions).
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The decreased absorption capacity of certain nutrients. With age, nutrients such as magnesium or calcium tend to be less well absorbed.
The article " nutritional needs in seniors " provides all the necessary information regarding recommended intake for older people.
What are the consequences of reduced food intake for seniors?
Inadequate dietary intake can lead to generalized deficiencies, and/or deficiencies targeted at a particular nutrient.
Protein-energy malnutrition, a global deficiency in which protein intake plays a major role
Malnutrition is a disease with a high prevalence among seniors. It affects 10% of people over 70 living at home and 50% of hospitalized elderly patients. According to the French National Authority for Health (HAS), malnutrition is defined as “an imbalance between the body's intake and needs. This imbalance leads to tissue loss, particularly muscle loss, which has detrimental functional consequences.” Although the deficiency is generalized, protein plays a major role in restoring muscle tissue.
Weight loss, fatigue, and weakened immune system are among the many symptoms of malnutrition, some of which are reversible. Weight loss can progress to sarcopenia*, which significantly increases the risk of falls. Furthermore, the protein requirements for a malnourished individual are elevated to 1.2 or even 1.5 g/kcal/day.
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Sarcopenia corresponds to a loss of muscle mass and its functions.
Calcium, vitamin D, and prevention of bone fragility
Calcium is one of the minerals involved in the bone mineralization process and therefore contributes to the rigidity of all bone tissue. Along with this micronutrient, vitamin D provides important support for calcium to perform its functions. Indeed, vitamin D increases calcium absorption through the intestinal wall, as well as its reabsorption at the level of the kidney's functional unit, the nephron.
To maximize the use of calcium in our body, endogenous synthesis and vitamin D intake through diet are essential.
Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies are common in older adults. However, this deficiency is far from inconsequential. Throughout life, there is a balance between bone resorption and renewal. Nevertheless, postmenopausal women and older men experience a loss of bone density with age. Combined with this, a reduced capacity for calcium absorption results in greater bone demineralization than renewal. Under these conditions, older adults are predisposed to developing osteoporosis. This condition itself is responsible for fractures, particularly hip fractures, with the risk being twice as high in older women as in older men.
Omega-3s, the "all-purpose" key to accessing health
Omega-3s are lipids belonging to the class of polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are essential molecules that the body cannot synthesize, hence the importance of obtaining them through diet. In general, omega-3s play a role in:
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Functional: anti-inflammatory role, role in coagulation, increases the level of “ good” cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein);
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Prevention of diseases such as: Age-Related Macular Degeneration ( AMD ), neurodegenerative and cardiac diseases.
Among omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are the best known. DHA also has a proven effect on vision.
Overall, the French population does not consume enough omega 3 and this effect is even more pronounced for the elderly whose intake is reduced overall.
ANSES recommends a consumption of 5% of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including 1% of omega 3 with 250 mg of DHA and 250 mg of EPA per day.
Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium and the fight against oxidative stress
Oxidative stress refers to the damaging effects of free radicals on our cells. Free radicals are notably represented by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The consequences of this phenomenon include premature aging of our cells and, in some cases, an increased risk of developing cancer. The older we get, the more oxidative stress increases within our bodies.
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, plays a crucial role in antioxidant defense against oxidative stress. Vitamin E, on the other hand, is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps limit lipid oxidation, which also has detrimental effects on health.
Finally, selenium also plays a role in oxidative stress since it is a coenzyme of antioxidant enzymes.
Consumed in the recommended amounts ( ANSES: Nutritional Reference Intakes ) throughout our lives, these micronutrients play a real role in preventing cell aging and the onset of many diseases.
Magnesium, cognitive and neurological health
Magnesium is one of the minerals with multiple functions, including its role in the functioning of the nervous system. More specifically, it is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. Magnesium requirements are generally not fully met in the general population.
A lack of magnesium in the diet can lead to increased stress and anxiety in addition to neurological symptoms.
How to prevent nutritional deficiencies?
A balanced diet is the best way to prevent nutritional deficiencies. By ensuring a variety of food choices, nutritional intake will be optimal. Therefore, all food groups should be consumed, namely:
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Dairy products for their calcium and vitamin D content and their preventative action against bone fragility.
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Fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant content to combat oxidative stress and a general supply of vitamins and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins B1, B2, B3…).
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High-quality protein- rich foods (meat, fish, eggs) are essential to prevent malnutrition. When choosing vegetarian options, it's important to combine legumes and grain products for optimal intake of essential amino acids ( Nutritional Needs: Focus on Amino Acids ).
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Fats provide polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3s, which play multiple roles in preventing age-related diseases. Fats are also beneficial for increasing the caloric intake of a meal when energy consumption is insufficient, a common problem among older adults.
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Cereal products to provide energy to the body, and other vitamins essential for the proper functioning of the body such as those belonging to the B group.
The role of dietary supplements
To address these deficiencies, conventional diets are sometimes insufficient. For older adults, taking dietary supplements may be advisable to benefit from concentrated nutrient intake. Phytocea offers a wide range of dietary supplements addressing specific health concerns. The Vision+ Box includes ORetine and Omega+ products. is a perfect combination to address issues related to eye health.
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Sources
ANSES - Nutritional reference values for vitamins and minerals
ANSES - Opinion of the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety
National Individual Study of Food Consumption (INCA 3)
