THE USE OF DIETARY-SUPPLEMENTS IN THE ELDERLY - CURRENT ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS (REPRINTED FROM NETWORKING NEWS, VOL 19, PG 1-11, 1997)

Research on dietary intake in the elderly shows evidence of both adequ ate and inadequate nutrient consumption from food. More recent studies have documented inadequate mineral intake hom food and confirmed the overall decline in nurient intake from food as people age. Food is inc ontrovertibly the best vehicle for nutrient consumption. However, some authorities have found reason to recommend a daily multivitamin-miner al for the elderly as a reasonable way to assure adequate micronutrien t intake. There appears to be no reason to recommend complete liquid s upplements or modular macronutrient supplements to the active free-liv ing elderly population.