If you are caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, it important to educate yourself about the most common dietary deficiencies. As our loved ones grow older, they start to expend less energy and require fewer calories as compared to the past. This means that eating foods that are healthy and nutritious are very important for the elderly as every calorie counts. However, it may be challenging to get enough nutrients to prevent dietary deficiencies like mineral or vitamin deficiencies.

Why do mature adults have mineral and vitamin deficiency?

There are several reasons to why mature adults are more prone to vitamin and mineral deficiency. Firstly, as people age, their bodies do not absorb nutrients as well as before, thus putting them at risk of nutrient deficiency. Furthermore, some medications that they are required to take end up interfering with the body’s capability to absorb vitamins and minerals. With age, their teeth also become weaker, and some even lose their teeth. This makes it difficult for them to consume certain types of foods that are rich in nutrients, such as vegetables and fruits. Furthermore, as their mobility decreases, it may be hard for them to make grocery runs frequently to stock up on nutrient-dense foods.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient in our body and is needed for the body to construct the DNA in our cells. However, with age, Vitamin B12 is absorbed less efficiently into the body. A deficiency of Vitamin B12 in the body can lead to pernicious anemia. Some symptoms to look out for include vision that is blurred, breathlessness or dizziness, fatigue or weakness, issues with walking, an inflamed tongue, tingling sensations in the feet and the hands, mood swings or changes in memory.

Calcium deficiency

Calcium is another important nutrient in the body that is in charge of keeping the teeth and bones healthy and strong. Men over 70 years old and women over 50 years old are more prone to calcium deficiency as the body is less able to absorb calcium properly with age. This could also be linked to a lack of vitamin D. If the body is deficient in calcium, it will start absorbing calcium from the teeth and bones and could lead to osteoporosis and weak bones in the future.

Vitamin D deficiency

To maintain a strong immune system, the body will need sufficient Vitamin D to help the nerves and muscles in the body do their jobs. Vitamin D can also help the body have a more efficient absorption of calcium. A Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in America.

As people age, it is important to ensure the body remains healthy and strong by giving it the nutrients it needs.