Nutrition for Older Adults Seniors

Nutrition for Older Adults

Seniors commonly exhibit nutritional deficiencies in both Vitamin B9 (folate) and vitamin B12. Health risks associated with the nutritional deficiencies include increased risk for vascular diseases, often leading to irreversible neurological damage or cognitive impairment. Deficiencies in B12 and folate are also associated with above-average concentrations of blood homocysteine levels. Elevated homocycsteine levels are relatively common among elderly populations. However, even levels in the high range of normal can place individuals at risk for vascular disease or neurological impairment. Studies have shown that increasing intake of folate may reduce risk of some types of vascular disease but researchers worry that increasing folate intake might mask B12 deficiencies. If a B12 deficiency is masked, the patient may remain at risk for developing vascular disease. Thus, new fortification rules increasing folate content in packaged breads and cereal grains may or may not be beneficial for the senior population.

The current research studies the diets of a senior population to determine average intake levels of folate, and the authors suggest that increasing folate would have positive impacts on seniors' health. A sample of 308 seniors aged 65-94 years completed food intake surveys. Responses indicated a mean intake of nearly 300 micrograms per day of folate. Almost half of the sample reported taking daily folate supplements. Most participants who took supplements took an average of 400 micrograms, whereas a small (3.2%) of respondents indicated taking higher doses, in the 800 microgram/day range. Those individuals' folate intake was therefore greater than the 1000 microgram/day recommended dose of the vitamin.