The effects of age on nutrient requirements are difficult to quantify
for older adults because there is great variability in aging. There ar
e trends in changes that have been identified through longitudinal stu
dies that indicate that, although there is a decrease in energy requir
ement with advancing age, there is not a parallel decrease in the need
for most other nutrients. In fact, protein requirements per kilogram
of body weight may increase; increases for certain vitamins may be due
to their unique absorptive and metabolic processes that may be affect
ed by chronic conditions. There is little evidence to support changes
in mineral needs unless there is an association with the management of
a chronic condition. Fluid requirements to prevent dehydration must b
e addressed in elderly people.