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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Medications and nutrition in the elderly
1Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
Primary Care
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Elderly individuals taking medications face nutritional risks, including deficiencies and appetite changes. Proper education on drug-food interactions and nutrient intake can minimize these adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Polypharmacy in elderly individuals presents significant nutritional risks.
- Drug intake can lead to anorexia, altered appetite, nutritional deficiencies, and toxic reactions.
- Drug side effects and prescribed diets can negatively impact nutritional status and drug efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the nutritional risks associated with medication use in the elderly.
- To identify potential adverse outcomes of drug-food and drug-nutrient interactions.
- To propose strategies for minimizing these risks.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on drug-nutrient interactions in the elderly.
- Analysis of common nutritional risks induced by single drugs and drug combinations.
- Identification of strategies for patient and caregiver education.
Main Results:
- Medication use in the elderly can cause anorexia, increased appetite, nutritional deficiencies, and toxic reactions.
- Drug side effects may impair the ability to shop for or prepare food.
- Prescribed diets can interact with medications, causing side effects or reduced efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Educating elderly individuals and caregivers on medication timing and food incompatibilities is crucial.
- Advising on appropriate nutrient intake can prevent drug-induced nutritional deficiencies.
- Proactive management of drug-food and drug-nutrient interactions is essential for elderly health.
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