Nutrients intake of older people

Introduction;
Ageing process in older people bring about many physiological changes some of which are;

Loss of muscle
Inadequate dentition and difficulty during swallowing.
Decrease sensitivity to taste and smell
Decrease in firmness of intestinal muscle
Constipation and diarrhoea

Requirements;
Carbohydrates, proteins, fats vitamins and minerals should be properly formulated for older people to allow good health.
1. Proteinous food of high quality should be consumed because of decrease in calorie requirements during this stage for good immune system and for tissue and muscle building.
2. Carbohydrates majorly complex ones should be encourage to spare protein from being used as an energy source. Fibre content of the diet should be increase to allow proper movement of intestinal muscle and prevent constipation.
3. Fats should be enough to enhance flavor and provide valuable nutrients but should be limited to saturated fats so as as to prevent excess cholesterol which increases the risk of chronic diseases.
4. Because of increase fibre content of the diet water should be increase likewise to prevent choking when eaten. Water should also be sufficient daily to prevent dehydration.
Intestinal disorder;
Atrophic gastritis is common among older people, this disorder result in poor assimilation and absorption of vitamin B12 and decrease in hydrochloric acid production, so nutritional supplement should be encourage to prevent anaemia anddeficiency of vitamins.
Conclusion;
Older people can love healthy when there is proper balance in their nutrients intake.

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