The role of trace elements for the health of elderly individuals

Elderly individuals have a higher risk to develop trace element deficiencie s due to modified dietary habits and requirements, age related physiologica l changes, drug therapy, and chronic diseases leading to or associated with enhanced consumption or excretion of trace elements. This review gives an overview about the role of zinc, iron, selenium, copper, chromium and fluor ide for the health of elderly people in regard of physiological functions, trace element status and intake, and effect of supplementation on clinical parameters and disease outcome.