Define Vitamin A, Iron and Zinc required for elderly?
Vitamin A, Iron and Zinc: The recommendation for iron is said to decrease in elderly women. Intake of vitamin E and zinc is said to help in the immune and defense system.
Water and electrolyte: Intake for individuals are said to be consistent throughout adulthood. For adults 30 ml/kg body weight /day is recommended. There may be increased risk of dehydration among elderly when on diuretics or laxatives as they have a lower thirst and have decrease urine concentrating ability.
Thus, we may conclude that for elderly a healthy diet with emphasis on green vegetable, fruit, whole grain product, low fat milk products, fish and legumes along with life style modification in physical activity and smoking is important. Unnecessary and overdose of supplements should be avoided, but on the other hand adequate supplementation as required would help in improving the nutritional status of the elderly.