title: Nutrition and the elderly.
abstract: As the size of the elderly population grows, nutrition for the elderly has assumed increasing significance. Osteoporosis is a prime example of a disease which is, at least partially, nutritionally related and of great importance in this population. Not only may essential nutrients be in short supply in the diet during later years, but impaired absorption and utilization may actually dictate increased amounts to prevent disease. The optimal amount of protein in the diet is not yet known, but a decrease in caloric intake as people age is probably desirable.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D001823:Body Composition; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000209:etiology; D010710:Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism; D010808:Physical Examination; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins; D010710:Phosphates; D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium