As we age, our ability to use, produce, and store nutrients changes. Changes in diet or lifestyle may be necessary to maintain health. Optimal nutrition can play a key role in staying healthy. The four leading chronic health problems are heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis and hearing loss. In addition, older persons are at increased risk of cancer, osteoporosis, eye disease, and stroke. Studies have demonstrated that nutrition can help prevent chronic disorders and improve health in general. Vitamin and mineral supplements may help protect memory, immunity, and vision and may help prevent heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, hearing loss, and cancer.

Changes in the digestive system accompanying aging make it less effective, which reduces the ability to absorb nutrients. Diseases can change nutrition requirements. Drug therapies can reduce absorption or increase elimination of specific nutrients. Aging alters taste, which can lead to decreased appetite or enjoyment of food. It is no surprise that malnutrition is common among older people.

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people over 65 in the US. Cataracts are also a major concern for those over 65. Vitamins C and E reduce the risk for cataracts and retinal abnormalities, especially for smokers or those with high blood pressure. Pro-vitamin A carotenoids can reduce the risk of macular degeneration and other abnormalities. Lutein, found in spinach and dark leafy vegetables, can reduce risk of eye diseases.

Atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and myocardial infarction are many causes of death worldwide. Vitamin E supplements of 400 IU per day have been shown to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Hearing loss affects about 24% of persons over 65 and 40% of persons over 75 years old. Research has suggested that low levels of folic acid can lead to elevated levels of homocysteine that can harm the inner ear. Elevated homocysteine is also associated with increased risk of heart attack. Low Vitamin B12 can damage auditory nerves and cause hearing loss.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the US and the second-leading cause of cancer death in men. It was recently shown 200 mcg of selenium daily for about four years resulted in a 63% reduction in risk of prostate cancer.

High intake of Calcium has been shown to reduce the risk of ischemic heart disease by 30-35%. Beta-carotene has also shown nearly a 50% improvement. As mentioned before, Folic Acid has been shown to reduce homocysteine levels, which are a major risk factor of ischemic heart disease. Calcium and Magnesium can prevent hypertension or reduce blood pressure. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of Calcium. Aging increases the excretion of Calcium in urine and can reduce bone mass density. Vitamin D levels can be reduced by reduced use of dairy products and reduced exposure to sunlight. Vitamin K controls production of bone proteins. Potassium and Magnesium are also necessary for bone maintenance. All of these are important to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin supplements containing C, E, and Zinc can help improve immune function.

Many prescription drugs can cause the depletion of nutrients. Taos Pharmacy is offering a comprehensive review of your prescription drug therapy and the risk of nutritional depletion. This new service is available for only $10.00 and includes vitamin and mineral supplementation recommendations. Taos Pharmacy is your professional nutrition resource in Northern New Mexico.

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