Nutrition Needs for Adults 55+

In today’s fast-paced world, older adults often find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities, which can sometimes lead to neglecting the importance of proper nutrition. This hectic lifestyle, combined with the changing dietary needs that come with ageing, can reduce nutrient intake and result in deficiencies that particularly affect joint and muscle health. 

As the body ages, specific nutrients become increasingly important for maintaining joint function and flexibility. A lack of essential vitamins and minerals—such as calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids—can weaken bones, cartilage, and ligaments, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and a higher risk of injury.  

Additionally, protein is crucial for maintaining muscle health in individuals over 55. Adequate protein intake is vital for preserving muscle mass, strength, and overall physiological function in older adults, as it is closely linked to muscle protein synthesis (MPS). MPS plays a key role in preventing sarcopenia, a condition marked by muscle decline in the elderly (Jong & Hoekman, 2018; Olaniyan et al., 2021). Essential amino acids, particularly leucine, stimulate MPS and support the preservation of skeletal muscle mass. 

Understanding the connection between nutrition and joint and muscle health enables older adults to take proactive steps to protect their well-being, empowering them to lead an active, pain-free life as they age. 

Deficiencies in Older Adults

Undernourishment is one of the greatest threats to the health, well-being, and autonomy of older adults. Due to reduced appetite, olfactory dysfunction, and a diminished sensitivity to sensory-specific satiation, older adults may be at risk of inadequate nutrient and energy intake. Additionally, they may not fully compensate for missed meals, making small snacks between meals an essential strategy for extra nutritional intake. Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS), particularly liquid ones containing all necessary nutrients, are well-suited to meet these needs (Nieuwenhuizen et al., 2009). 

Micronutrient deficiencies are common among individuals aged 55 and older and can significantly impact their health and quality of life. These deficiencies often arise from inadequate dietary intake, physiological changes, and other age-related factors. For example, vitamin D is essential for strong bones and helps prevent conditions like osteoporosis and fractures (Prasetyo et al., 2023). Vitamin B12 is important for nerve function and red blood cell production, and a deficiency can lead to anemia and cognitive decline. Calcium is crucial for bone density, and inadequate intake increases the risk of osteoporosis (Prasetyo et al., 2023; Serenče & Pozar, n.d.). Folic acid is necessary for DNA repair and helps prevent anemia and high homocysteine levels (Prasetyo et al., 2023; Gupta et al., 2017). Iron is vital for oxygen transport in the body, and a deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, and a weakened immune system (Gupta et al., 2017; Serenče & Pozar, n.d.). 

Protein deficiency in older adults, particularly those over 55, can lead to significant health issues due to the multifactorial nature of malnutrition. Despite their high nutritional needs, physiological changes often hinder adequate protein intake. 

Unived’s Seniors 55+ Nutrition

Unived’s Seniors 55+ Nutrition protein supplement is formulated to help older adults meet their nutritional needs. It includes 15g of pea protein to help build and maintain muscle, essential vitamins and minerals for overall health, probiotics and digestive enzymes to aid digestion, and CoQ10 for energy. This blend is intended to improve muscle health, strengthen the immune system, promote better digestion, and boost energy levels, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of seniors. 

Ubiquinol (CoQ10) is present in the formulation as the natural production of this antioxidant reduces after the age of 40. This potent antioxidant protects blood vessels from age-related oxidative stress, which increases the risk of heart disease (Cirilli et al., 2020). Research shows that ubiquinol supplements can improve blood flow to the brain and reduce inflammation, particularly in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (García-Carpintero et al., 2021). Long-term use is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease mortality and may improve cognitive function (Alehagen et al., 2015; García-Carpintero et al., 2021). Ubiquinol’s antioxidant properties may also help protect the brain from oxidative stress, which contributes to age-related cognitive decline (Ramanathan et al., 2018). 

High-quality pea protein supports muscle maintenance and growth, and research shows that plant-based proteins like pea protein effectively help preserve muscle mass in older adults (Santos et al., 2017). Essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and zinc, are crucial for immune health, especially in older adults (Gordon et al., 2018; Baeke et al., 2009). Probiotics and digestive enzymes enhance digestion and nutrient absorption, with probiotics promoting gut health in the elderly (McFarland, 2015). Digestive enzyme supplements can further improve nutrient breakdown and reduce digestive discomfort, addressing age-related declines in digestive efficiency (Mero, 2018). 

For adults aged 55 and above seeking a well-rounded, plant-based nutritional solution, Senior’s 55+ Nutrition offers a comprehensive approach to support healthy ageing, energy, and overall vitality. This blend is designed to fill nutritional gaps, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein to promote muscle maintenance, immune resilience, and cognitive health. Senior’s 55+ Nutrition are an excellent choice for seniors seeking to live an active, balanced, and fulfilling life. 

References 

1. Aakriti, Gupta., Preetika, Khenduja., Ravindra, Mohan Pandey., Hem, Chandra Sati., Nighat, Yaseen Sofi., Umesh, Kapil. (2017). Dietary Intake of Minerals, Vitamins, and Trace Elements Among Geriatric Population in India. Biological Trace Element Research, 180(1):28-38. doi: 10.1007/S12011-017-0972-8 
2. Budi, Prasetyo., Diah, Indriani., Nur, Anisah Rahmawati. (2023). Management of Micro Nutrition and Health Impacts on the Elderly: Literature Review. Amerta Nutrition, 7(1SP):37-46. doi: 10.20473/amnt.v7i1sp.2023.37-46 
3. Dora, Serenče., Hajnalka, Pozar. Prevention of Micronutrient Deficiencies in the Elderly. Praxis Medica, doi: 10.5937/pramed2204029s 
4. Eunice, T. Olaniyan., Fiona, O'Halloran., Aoife, L., McCarthy. (2021). Dietary Protein Considerations for Muscle Protein Synthesis and Muscle Mass Preservation in Older Adults. Nutrition Research Reviews, 34(1):147-157. doi: 10.1017/S0954422420000219 
5. Ilenia, Cirilli., Patrick, Orlando., Fabio, Marcheggiani., Phiwayinkosi V. Dludla., Sonia, Silvestri., Elisabetta, Damiani., Luca, Tiano. (2020). The Protective Role of Bioactive Quinones in Stress-induced Senescence Phenotype of Endothelial Cells Exposed to Cigarette Smoke Extract. Antioxidants, 9(10):1008. doi: 10.3390/antiox9101008 
6. Nardev, Ramanathan., Esther, Hui Na Tan., Li Jun Loh., Boon Seng Soh. (2018). Tocotrienol is a Cardioprotective Agent Against Ageing-associated Cardiovascular Disease and Its Associated Morbidities. Nutrition & Metabolism, 15(1):1-15. doi: 10.1186/S12986-018-0244-4 
7. Sonia, García-Carpintero., Javier, Domínguez-Bértalo., Cristina M. Pedrero-Prieto., Javier, Frontiñán-Rubio., Mariano, Amo-Salas., Mario, Durán-Prado., Eloy, García-Pérez., Julia, Vaamonde., Francisco J., Alcaín. (2021). Ubiquinol Supplementation Improves Gender-Dependent Cerebral Vasoreactivity and Ameliorates Chronic Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Antioxidants, 10(2):143. doi: 10.3390/antiox10020143 
8. Timo, de Jong., Niels, Hoekman. (2018). The Associations of Protein Intake and Protein Distribution with Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Aged 55 and Older. 
9. Urban, Alehagen., Jan, Aaseth., Peter, Johansson. (2015). Reduced Cardiovascular Mortality 10 Years After Supplementation with Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 for Four Years: Follow-Up Results of a Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial in Elderly Citizens. PLOS ONE, 10(12). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141641