With the acceleration of the aging process of China's population, the nutrition of the elderly has attracted more and more attention. Many people wonder what the symptoms of malnutrition can look like and how older people can supplement their nutrition. Therefore, we need to know more about the nutritional needs and supplementation methods of older adults to ensure their physical health. This article will talk to you about the two questions of "what kind of symptoms will appear in malnutrition" and "how to supplement nutrition for the elderly".
Why are older people more susceptible to malnutrition?
First, let's take a look at the reasons for the high prevalence of malnutrition among the elderly. Low intake, high demand, and impaired bioavailability of energy and nutrients are the main pathogenic mechanisms of malnutrition. Many internal and external factors can affect the nutritional status of older adults [1].
The internal factor is the deterioration of the structure and function of the human organs during aging, the reduction of functional reserves. As the elderly age, the physical functions of the elderly, including digestion, chewing and swallowing, taste, mental and cognitive state, and endocrine, heart, lung and kidney functions, decline to varying degrees, resulting in an imbalance in energy intake and consumption, and eventually leading to malnutrition. External factors include environmental, socioeconomic factors, polypharmacy, hospitalization, and poor lifestyle [1].
What are the symptoms of malnutrition in older people?
Malnutrition increases the risk of adverse clinical outcomes in older adults, such as decreased physical function, cognitive decline, depression, frailty, sarcopenia, prolonged hospital stay, decreased quality of life, increased risk of infection, increased mortality, and increased associated healthcare costs [1]. In the face of malnutrition, the elderly should intervene in time to improve their nutritional status.
Once you know what the symptoms of malnutrition are, what can you do to address them?
Seniors can choose Ferka Huarui's Whole Protein Nutrition Formula Special Medical Food Deruiyi to supplement comprehensive and balanced nutrition. Each 200ml standard blend can provide 745 g protein, 68 g fat, 262 g of carbohydrates can also provide 32 nutrients needed by the human body, such as dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals [2].
What's more, the polyunsaturated fatty acid N-6 (linoleic acid): N-3 (-linolenic acid) = 24:1 [2], which can play a protective role in cardiovascular [3]. In 2023, DRIS also noted that N-6:N-3 4:1 is associated with a reduction in cardiovascular mortality [3].
This also means that Drieva is not only suitable for people who are malnourished or need to be supplemented for all causes, but also for older people at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Reading this, do you have a certain understanding of "what kind of symptoms will appear in malnutrition" and "how to supplement nutrition for the elderly"? Whole Protein Full Nutrition Formula Special Medical Food Deruiyi is very helpful for the improvement of the nutritional status of the elderly. The Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival are coming soon, it is better to bring this healthy thing to the elders in the family who need to supplement nutrition, and by the way, popularize "what kind of symptoms will malnutrition appear", so that they can be vigilant and pay attention to nutritional problems in time!
References:
1] Ma Lina, Ji Tong, Li Hailong, et al. Chinese Expert Consensus on a Multidisciplinary Decision-making Model for Malnutrition in the Elderly (2023)[J].Chinese Journal of Clinical Health Care, 2023, 26(04): 433-445
2] Deruiyi Whole Nutrition Formula for Special Medical Purposes product label and instruction manual.
3] Chinese Nutrition Society. Dietary Reference Intake of Chinese Residents[M].Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 20238:154-155.