Nutritional challenges for older adults in Europe: current status and future directions

Abstract

Population ageing is rapidly progressing and it is estimated that by 2050 one in every five people globally will be aged 60 years or over. Research has shown that adequate nutritional status can positively impact the ageing process, resulting in improved quality of life and the prevention of chronic disease and mortality. However, due to physiological and social changes associated with ageing, older adults may be at increased risk of nutrient deficiencies. This review aims to investigate the nutrient intake and status of older adults in Europe and to explore the potential role of fortified foods and nutritional supplements in addressing some of the nutritional challenges identified in this population group. The available literature has highlighted unfavourable intakes of total and saturated fat, sugar, salt and dietary fibre together with low intakes and suboptimal status of key micronutrients such as vitamins D, B2, B12, folate and calcium. Evidence has shown that the consumption of fortified foods and use of nutritional supplements make significant contributions to intakes and status of these micronutrients in older adults. Continued monitoring of nutrient intake and status is important in light of changing fortification practices and food consumption patterns. Future strategies to address the nutritional issues identified in older adults could include the promotion of healthy food choices together with improvements of the food supply including reformulation (fat, sugar and salt), food fortification or supplementation to support successful ageing of our populations.

Current State of Evidence: Influence of Nutritional and Nutrigenetic Factors on Immunity in the COVID-19 Pandemic Framework

“…Despite these recommendations, there is a widespread deficit of vitamin D in European adults, particularly among the elderly, which may be associated with a combination of factors such as reduced dermal production, decreased sun exposure, and reduced food intake. Surprisingly, some northern countries, such as Finland and Iceland, have estimated intakes of 11 µg/day, higher than the intake in most European countries which ranges between 2-8 µg/day; and over 90% of older adults have a daily intake less than 10 µg [45]. This could be particularly relevant in the progression of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.…”

Regulatory and Policy-Related Aspects of Calcium Fortification of Foods. Implications for Implementing National Strategies of Calcium Fortification

“…Daily calcium intake is below recommendations in many low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), existing important inequities with high-income countries [1,2]. Low calcium intake is also observed in particular age groups such as adolescents, older adults, and those with a lower income from high-income countries [3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. The risk of inadequate calcium intake is consistently high in many countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.…”

Displacing Sedentary Behaviour with Light Intensity Physical Activity Spontaneously Alters Habitual Macronutrient Intake and Enhances Dietary Quality in Older Females

“…Various micronutrient deficiencies are also exhibited in ageing, including vitamins B, C, and D, as well as key minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc [ 20 , 21 , 24 , 25 ]. Reductions in dietary quality over time are highlighted by the fact that older adults exhibit serving size reductions in foods of a high dietary quality (i.e., foods consisting of a good balance of starchy root vegetables, proteins, and dairy products, as well as a variety of fruit/vegetables) [ 16 ], whereas correcting such deficiencies can improve vitality and longevity [ 26 ].…”