---
title: "Human nutrition"
chunk: 15/20
source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_nutrition"
category: "reference"
tags: "science, encyclopedia"
date_saved: "2026-05-05T03:55:25.210940+00:00"
instance: "kb-cron"
---

=== Elderly nutrition ===
Malnutrition in older adults is a significant health concern, linked to increased mortality, morbidity, and physical decline, which adversely impacts daily activities and overall quality of life. This condition is common among the elderly and can also contribute to the development of geriatric syndromes. In older adults, malnutrition is typically indicated by unintentional weight loss or a low body mass index, though hidden deficiencies, such as those involving micronutrients, are often harder to detect and frequently go unnoticed, especially in community-dwelling seniors. This is generally higher among the elderly, but has different aspects in developed and undeveloped countries. In developed countries, the most common cause of malnutrition is illness, as both acute and chronic conditions can lead to or worsen nutritional deficits. As age increases the likelihood of disease, older adults are at the highest risk for nutritional challenges or malnutrition. The causes of malnutrition are complex and multifaceted, with aging processes further contributing to its development. The concerns faced with nutritional markers for the elderly are highlighted by the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition in adults over 65, encompassing factors from age-related changes to disease-related risks. The challenges in addressing, understanding, identifying, and treating malnutrition is key, noting that in some cases, targeted supplementation of macro- and micronutrients may be necessary when diet alone does not meet age-specific nutritional needs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified healthy aging as a key priority from 2016 to 2030, developing a policy framework that advocates for action across multiple sectors. The program aims to help older adults (those aged 65 and over) maintain functional ability, ensuring their well-being and active participation in society. Older adults are the fastest-growing age group, and United Nations projections indicate that by 2050, their numbers will double those of children under five and exceed the population of adolescents aged 15 to 24. By 2050, global life expectancy, which was 72.6 years in 2019, is expected to increase by approximately five years. Maintaining good nutritional status and adequate nutrient intake is essential for health, quality of life, and overall well-being in older age, and it plays a crucial role in healthy aging as defined by the WHO.

==== Elderly Nutrition: Protein ====
While energy needs decrease with age, the demand for protein and certain nutrients actually rises to support normal bodily functions. Deficiencies in specific nutrients are also linked to cognitive decline, a common issue among older adults. Reduced daily food intake in the elderly often leads to insufficient protein consumption, contributing to sarcopenia, a condition marked by the loss of muscle mass. Approximately 30% of those aged 60 and above, and over 50% of individuals aged 80 and older, are affected by this condition. The inability to meet protein needs exacerbates health issues, including chronic muscle wasting and bone health deterioration, leading to functional decline and frailty. To mitigate this, older adults are advised to evenly distribute protein intake across meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As aging diminishes the body's ability to synthesize muscle protein, consuming adequate essential amino acids, especially leucine, is crucial. A leucine intake of at least 3 g per meal, achieved through 25-30g of high-quality protein, is necessary for effective muscle protein synthesis.
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III indicates that the average protein intake among the elderly is 0.9g/kg of body weight per day, with half of this intake occurring at dinner. This uneven distribution can lead to sub-optimal protein synthesis and increased use of dietary amino acids for other processes like fat storage. Therefore, evenly distributing 30 g of protein throughout the day is recommended to enhance protein turnover and prevent muscle loss. Older adults, particularly those with acute or chronic illnesses, may require higher protein intake, ranging from 1.2 to 1.5g/kg per day, due to a reduced anabolic response. Some studies suggest that an intake of 1 g/kg per day is sufficient, while others recommend 1.3 to 1.73g/kg per day for better health outcomes. Research shows that muscle mass preservation is more effectively supported by animal protein, which has a higher essential amino acid content, than by plant protein. The timing of protein intake, protein source, and amino acid content are key factors in optimizing protein absorption in the elderly.