Nutritional Requirements of Older People
Nutritional requirements of older people
The nutritional needs of elderly people are generally similar to those of younger adults.
Recommended daily intakes for micro nutrients as recommended by the
Department of Health DRVs (Dietary Reference Values) Nutrient | Recommended daily intake for 50+ years | Calcium (mg) | 700 | Phosphorus (mg) | 550 | Magnesium (mg) | 270 | Sodium (mg) | 1600 | Potassium (mg) | 3500 | Chloride (mg) | 2500 | Iron (mg) | 14.8 | Zinc (mg) | 9 | Copper (mg) | 1.2 | Selenium (μg) | 60 | Iodine (μg) | 140 | Vitamin A (μg) | 600 | Thiamin (mg) | 0.8 | Riboflavin (mg) | 1.1 | Niacin (mg) | 12 | Vitamin B6 (mg) | 1.2 | Vitamin B12 (μg) | 1.5 | Folate (μg) | 200 | Vitamin C (mg) | 40 | Vitamin D* (μg) | 10 |
* The recommendation for vitamin D only applies for adults over the age of 65 years.
With the exception of vitamin D, there are no specific recommendations for people aged over 65 years.
Energy
Energy requirements, however, decline with increasing age, particularly if physical activity is restricted.
Estimated energy requirements as recommended by the
Department of Health DRVs (Dietary Reference Values) Age (years) | Estimated energy requirement for males (kcals per day) | Estimated energy requirement for females (kcals per day) | 19-50 | 2550 | 1940 | 51-59 | 2550 | 1900 | 60-64 | 2380 | 1900 | 65-74 | 2330 | 1900 | 75+ | 2100 | 1810 |
Although this often means eating less, requirements for protein, vitamins and minerals remain largely unchanged.
It is therefore important that older people choose a nutrient-dense diet, including foods which contain protein, vitamins and minerals such as milk and dairy products, meat, eggs, fish, bread,
The nutritional needs of elderly people are generally similar to those of younger adults.
Recommended daily intakes for micro nutrients as recommended by the
Department of Health DRVs (Dietary Reference Values) Nutrient | Recommended daily intake for 50+ years | Calcium (mg) | 700 | Phosphorus (mg) | 550 | Magnesium (mg) | 270 | Sodium (mg) | 1600 | Potassium (mg) | 3500 | Chloride (mg) | 2500 | Iron (mg) | 14.8 | Zinc (mg) | 9 | Copper (mg) | 1.2 | Selenium (μg) | 60 | Iodine (μg) | 140 | Vitamin A (μg) | 600 | Thiamin (mg) | 0.8 | Riboflavin (mg) | 1.1 | Niacin (mg) | 12 | Vitamin B6 (mg) | 1.2 | Vitamin B12 (μg) | 1.5 | Folate (μg) | 200 | Vitamin C (mg) | 40 | Vitamin D* (μg) | 10 |
* The recommendation for vitamin D only applies for adults over the age of 65 years.
With the exception of vitamin D, there are no specific recommendations for people aged over 65 years.
Energy
Energy requirements, however, decline with increasing age, particularly if physical activity is restricted.
Estimated energy requirements as recommended by the
Department of Health DRVs (Dietary Reference Values) Age (years) | Estimated energy requirement for males (kcals per day) | Estimated energy requirement for females (kcals per day) | 19-50 | 2550 | 1940 | 51-59 | 2550 | 1900 | 60-64 | 2380 | 1900 | 65-74 | 2330 | 1900 | 75+ | 2100 | 1810 |
Although this often means eating less, requirements for protein, vitamins and minerals remain largely unchanged.
It is therefore important that older people choose a nutrient-dense diet, including foods which contain protein, vitamins and minerals such as milk and dairy products, meat, eggs, fish, bread,