Nutrition and aging: a consensus statement.
OBJECTIVE
To consider the relationship between nutrition and aging. To summarize existing knowledge and identify areas of ignorance.


METHODS
Experts from a range of relevant disciplines received and considered a series of questions related to aspects of the topic.


METHODS
University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.


METHODS
The experts met and discussed the questions and arrived at a consensus.


CONCLUSIONS
Many specific conclusions were drawn that support the general view that as we age an inadequate nutrition contributes to the loss of function and the development and progression of disease. Nutritional status is influenced by a range of medical, physiological, psychological, social and situational variables. Adequate nutrition and physical activity are aspects of a health-promoting lifestyle. The encouraging of better nutrition and the taking of exercise is a cost-effective way of decreasing the incidence and progression of age-related disease. The earlier such interventions are introduced the better.
Bates
C J
CJ
Institut fur Biologische Chemie und Ernahrungswissenschaft, Universtat Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
Benton
D
D
Biesalski
H K
HK
Staehelin
H B
HB
van Staveren
W
W
Stehle
P
P
Suter
P M
PM
Wolfram
G
G
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009752:Nutritional Status / Q000502:physiology; D011322:Primary Prevention; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins