Unit 6 - Aging and Nutrition Flashcards
What factors can increase oxidative stress?
- decreased intake of dietary antioxidants
- decreased levels or activities of endogenous antioxidants (e.g., glutathione)
- increased pro-oxidant exposure or production (ex: smoke)
- decreased repair of damage
List 2 minerals that can promote oxidative damage.
- Iron
- Copper
List 4 reactive oxygen species. Which of these are free radicals?
- Hydroxyl radical - free radical
- Superoxide radical - free radical
- Singlet oxygen
- Hydrogen peroxide
What are some things you can do to protect the body / what are some of the body’s defenses against oxidative damage?
- Dietary antioxidants (ex: vitamins C and E, flavonoids and other phytochemicals) ⇒ can help decrease damage caused by ROS and other reactive chemicals.
- Endogenous antioxidants made by the body (ex: glutathione, GPx, transferrin) ⇒ can help lower some of this damage
- DNA repair
List 4 sources of pro-oxidants.
- Incomplete reduction of oxygen during energy metabolism
- Killing of microbes (immune system)
- Cytochrome P450 (detoxification & other chemical reactions)
- Excessive body levels of iron (or other redox-active metals such as copper)
- Exposure to radiation, smoke, pollutants
What is the main reason for sarcopenia in older adults?
Lack of physical activity
What conditions can cause loss of sensation in older adults?
- Alzheimer’s
- Cancer treatment
- Zinc deficiency
What impacts can loss of taste and smell have on an older adult’s diet?
- Affect food consumption
- Impair physiological response to food (digestion)
- Can’t detect spoiled food
What problems can arise from decreased salivation in the elderly?
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Tooth decay
- Impairs taste sensation
- Swallowing problems (dysphagia)
- Hard to chew tough foods
What problems can arise with the GI tract for older adults?
- Increased risk of gastritis
- Impaired absorption of nutrients by small intestine
- Lactose intolerance
- Increased risk of constipation
What problems are older adults at risk for in terms of decreased renal function, and what dietary recommendations are given for older adults?
- Dehydration
- Decrease protein consumption
What endocrine issues arise with advanced age?
- Decreased insulin production
- Increased insulin resistance
What two vascular elements create cardiovascular issues in older adults?
- Reduced elasticity of arteries
- Increased atherosclerosis
List 4 problems that can occur due to age-related deterioration of the nervous system.
- Appetite loss
- Memory
- Attention
- Increased risk of dysphasia
Why might it be recommended that older adults consume 300 - 600 fewer calories per day than younger adults?
- Lower BMR
- Less PA
Why is it recommended that older adults increase calcium intake?
Because older adults start losing bone mass (osteopenia) and have decreased calcium absorption.
Explain how vitamin requirements differ for older adults compared to younger population. (3)
- Vitamin D: ~25% increase for those over 70 (due to decreased activation in liver
and kidneys, & lower sun exposure among elderly) - Vitamin B6: ~15-25% increase (women-men) for ages 51+ (due to decreased
absorption and activation) - Vitamin B12: more intake from supplements and fortified foods (crystalline
forms of B12 absorb more easily)
Why do older adults have higher water requirements than the younger population?
- They have a lower thirst response (increased thirst threshold)
- They have decreased water re-absorption by the kidneys
What nutrient absorption problem happens as a result of gastritis?
Difficulty absorbing vitamin B12
