Interní Med. 2008; 10(2): 64-68

Nutrition disturbances in elderly

prof. MUDr. Hana Kubešová CSc¹, doc. MUDr. Pavel Weber CSc²

¹ Klinika interní, geriatrie a praktického lékařství, FN a LF MU Brno

² klinika geriatrie FN, Brno

The introduction of the article comprises factors influencing negatively quality and quantity of nutrition during the ageing. The importance of proteins and the role of the teeth and intact swolowing are stressed. The atrophic gastritis is discussed as well as damage of stomach mucosa by nonsteroidal antiinflamative drugs. Authors remember new factors appearing with higher age – the influence of advanced atherosclerosis and its followings – ischaemic colitis, diverticulosis and motility disturbances. Attention is paid to the relationship of energy intake, nourishment composition and metabolic syndrome development. Different components of the nutrition are discussed – vitamins and micronutrients as well. There is not enough considered the influence of social and religious factors on the nutrition until now. In diagnostics of nutrition already known methods are remembered but these methods are not routinely used in elderly. Measures to solve unsatisfactory situation in elderly nutrition are suggested at the end.

Keywords: seniors, nutrition, ageing of gastrointestinal tract, sarcopenia, malnutrition

Published: May 1, 2008  Show citation