1. Nutrient Recommendations for
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Older Adults

2. Calories
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 Aging causes a decrease in lean muscle, metabolic
rate, and physical activity
 5% decrease in total kcal needs each DECADE
 Can be improved / reversed
-appropriate kcal intake
-nutrient
-dense food choices
-regular physical activity

3. MyPyramid Calorie Levels
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4. Protein
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 Infants –1.5 g / kg body weight
 Adults –0.8 g / kg body weight
 Older Adults –1 g / kg body weight-not making as
much HCl
 Factors affecting protein intake
-cost, chewing, overall intake, GI problems

5. Water and Fiber
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 Water AI same as adults: 3.7 L men, 2.7 L women
 Fiber needs decrease as kcal needs decrease:
-Adult Men –38 g / day
->50 Adult Men –30 g / day
-Adult Women –25 g / day
-> 50 Adult Women –21 g / day-
 Most only consume 2/3 of recommend fiber
 May prevent constipation and decrease risk of DM

6. Vitamins and Minerals
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 Most recommendations do not change, exceptions:
 Calcium
- absorption efficiency decreases
- RDA increases from 1000 mg - 1200 mg/day
 Vitamin D
- synthesis decreases
- RDA increases from 5 micrograms – 10-15 μg/d
 Iron – females only
- cessation of menstruation
- RDA decreases from 18 mg – 8 mg/day

7. Nutrient and Food Intake
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 Quantity of food decreases with decreased kcal needs
 Micronutrient needs do not decrease
 Micronutrients of concern
- vitamin E
- magnesium
- fiber
- calcium
- potassium
- B12
- Zinc

8. Sources of nutrients that may be lacking
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 Vitamin E – veggie oils, nuts, seeds
 Mg – green leafy veggies, beans, grains, nuts, milk
 Fiber – whole grains, beans, veggies and fruit
 Ca – milk products, green leafy veggies
 K – fruits, veggies, milk products, grains, meats
 B12 – animal products
 Zinc – meat, seafood, dairy

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