Unit 6 - Aging and Nutrition

Question 1

What factors can increase oxidative stress?

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

List 2 minerals that can promote oxidative damage.

Answer 2

• Iron
• Copper

Question 3

List 4 reactive oxygen species. Which of these are free radicals?

Answer 3

• Hydroxyl radical - free radical
• Superoxide radical - free radical
• Singlet oxygen
• Hydrogen peroxide

Question 4

What are some things you can do to protect the body / what are some of the body’s defenses against oxidative damage?

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

List 4 sources of pro-oxidants.

Answer 5

• 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

Question 6

What is the main reason for sarcopenia in older adults?

Answer 6

Lack of physical activity

Question 7

What conditions can cause loss of sensation in older adults?

Answer 7

• Alzheimer’s
• Cancer treatment
• Zinc deficiency

Question 8

What impacts can loss of taste and smell have on an older adult’s diet?

Answer 8

• Affect food consumption
• Impair physiological response to food (digestion)
• Can’t detect spoiled food

Question 9

What problems can arise from decreased salivation in the elderly?

Answer 9

• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Tooth decay
• Impairs taste sensation
• Swallowing problems (dysphagia)
• Hard to chew tough foods

Question 10

What problems can arise with the GI tract for older adults?

Answer 10

• Increased risk of gastritis
• Impaired absorption of nutrients by small intestine
• Lactose intolerance
• Increased risk of constipation

Question 11

What problems are older adults at risk for in terms of decreased renal function, and what dietary recommendations are given for older adults?

Answer 11

1. Dehydration
2. Decrease protein consumption

Question 12

What endocrine issues arise with advanced age?

Answer 12

• Decreased insulin production
• Increased insulin resistance

Question 13

What two vascular elements create cardiovascular issues in older adults?

Answer 13

• Reduced elasticity of arteries
• Increased atherosclerosis

Question 14

List 4 problems that can occur due to age-related deterioration of the nervous system.

Answer 14

• Appetite loss
• Memory
• Attention
• Increased risk of dysphasia

Question 15

Why might it be recommended that older adults consume 300 - 600 fewer calories per day than younger adults?

Answer 15

• Lower BMR
• Less PA

Question 16

Why is it recommended that older adults increase calcium intake?

Answer 16

Because older adults start losing bone mass (osteopenia) and have decreased calcium absorption.

Question 17

Explain how vitamin requirements differ for older adults compared to younger population. (3)

Answer 17

• 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)

Question 18

Why do older adults have higher water requirements than the younger population?

Answer 18

• They have a lower thirst response (increased thirst threshold)
• They have decreased water re-absorption by the kidneys

Question 19

What nutrient absorption problem happens as a result of gastritis?

Answer 19

Difficulty absorbing vitamin B12