Advancing age effects body of a human in several ways. As it is seen that in older age the people become unable to carry out many basic activities of the daily routine. One of them is losing their teeth and weekend bones. These weaknesses of old age are grave and one of many other risk factors is inadequate micronutrient uptake.
What are Major Deficiencies of Elderly?
As in old age, people are taking limited foods which leads to the deficiency of nutrients and vitamins. Mostly they suffer from the deficiency of following nutrients and vitamins;
Calcium:
This nutrient is important for bone density and strength. It is majorly found in dark leafy greens and dairy products. Elderly people are not taking these products due to digestion problem so the body becomes deficient in this nutrient which leads to decreased bone density and increased chances of fractures in older age. If you are suffering from body aches consult best orthopedic doctors in Lahore on Marham.
Vitamin D:
This fat-soluble vitamin works with Calcium to promote bone health and strength and also regulate some other body functions by acting as a hormone. It is naturally absorbed by the body by sunlight, but can also be obtained from certain types of fish and fortified foods such as orange juice or milk. These products are also less consumed in older age and sunlight exposure is also reduced due to less physical activity so aged ones become deficient in this vitamin.
Magnesium:
This mineral is a vital part of many body functions like glucose and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium is obtained from plant and animal food sources like dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. The decreased intake of these by older people makes them deficient in this mineral.
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Vitamin C:
This vitamin is required for proper absorption of proteins, the creation of connective tissue and wound healing. It is also a source of antioxidants that are basic tools in the fight against the diseases like infections and cancer. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers are enriched with this vitamin. Unfortunately, older people reduce the intake of these foods due to taste alteration so become deficient in this vitamin.
Vitamin E:
The amazing natural antioxidant property of vitamin E allows it to eradicate the ailments caused by free radicals stress. Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. And these are again those food items which cannot be intake by old buddies so they become deficient in this vitamin.
Vitamin B6:
This vitamin is responsible to perform vital functions in the body like protein absorption and cognitive function. The richest sources of this vitamin include fish, organ meats (like liver), potatoes, and other starchy vegetables. Digestion and chewing problem of old people make it impossible to intake these foods. So they become deficient in it.
How it Affect the Person?
Aged people are more likely to eat limited soft foods which do not have all ingredients of healthy diet and micronutrients. This incomplete food is really dangerous in old age as it may cause;
- Aggravation to natural aging process
- Decline of in cell renewal processes
- Weakens the immune defense
- Affect the eyesight and hearing
- Poor cognitive performance
- Chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and cancer
To age gracefully and stay healthy you have to take good care of your nutritional requirements. For further assistance in this regard consult the best nutritionist in Lahore and get yourself a personalized diet plan to best suit your specific requirements. This will not only protect you from ailments but will also help you enjoy your life to fullest.
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