[Nutritional requirements of aged people]

The nutritional requirements of elderly people are yet not well known. Energy requirements are depending on age and bodyweight: in man between 6700 kJ/j and 9100 kJ/j, in women 6200 kJ/j and 8100 kJ/j. Protein requirements are similar in both sexes: between 50-60 grs/j. Carbohydrates and lipids are covering respectively 50-55% and 30-35% of total energy intake. Water requirements are 1,25 l/j whose at least 0,71 l/j of beverages. Mineral requirements are: 75-100 mEq/j for sodium, 12-25 mEq/j for potassium, 1000 mgrs/j for calcium, 500 mgrs/j for magnesium and 10 mgrs/j for iron. Trace elements and vitamins requirements are insufficiently known. Actually one consider that they are similar to those of adults. An energy intake of 6700 kJ/j, even if the foods are diversified, does not cover the nutritional requirements of elderly people.