Micronutrient Needs of the Elderly

Abstract

Older adults are becoming a significant percentage of the world's population. A multitude of factors, from the normal aging process to the progression of chronic disease, influence the nutrition needs of this very diverse group of people. Appropriate micronutrient intake is of particular importance but is often suboptimal. Here we review the available data regarding micronutrient needs and the consequences of deficiencies in the ever growing aged population.

Keywords: aged; avitaminosis; deficiency; geriatrics; nutritional status; trace elements; vitamins.