Nutrition and the health of the elderly. A growing concern for all ages.

At a recent symposium, presentations were made summarizing current knowledge relating the dietary intake of six nutrients, calcium, vitamin D, iron, zinc, folate, and thiamin to health and disease in the elderly. The nutritional concerns of the elderly are becoming Increasingly Important as this population segment grows in size. In evaluating the nutritional status of the elderly, dietary calcium deficiency is emerging as a widespread problem. Alcoholism and the chronic use of certain medications appear to be major causes of specific vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Preventive measures to be maximally effective probably have to be started earlier in life. More research is clearly needed concerning the habits, lifestyles and nutritional requirements of various segments of the elderly population.