[Vitamin and mineral needs of the aged]

With increasing age the need of vitamins and minerals is very probably not less than at a younger age. On the other hand, based on a lowered caloric intake and/or a one-sided diet, the possibility of the occurrence of deficiencies will be greater. Resorption disturbances, less body activity, misuse of laxantia and other factors may also be of a negative effect. Quite a number of publications point to the possibility of latent deficiencies, as shown by lowered vitamin and mineral blood levels. Although the available data are scare, older people are certainly a very vulnerable group, in need of special care with regard to their diet, quantitatively as well as qualitatively.