What nutritional supplements do the elderly need?

　　1. Thermal energy:

　　elderly Caloric requirements decrease with age. If people aged 20 to 34 generally need 9623 to 10878 kilojoules per day, then people aged 70 to 90 need 7531 to 8360 kilojoules. This is because the elderly have lower basal metabolic rates and less physical work.

　　Therefore, nutrition experts recommend that energy supply can be reduced by 10% compared to adults between the ages of 50 and 90, by 20% between the ages of 60 and 90, and by 30% after the age of 70. But the reduction in calories is often accompanied by a reduction in the total amount of food. The requirements for other nutrients do not necessarily decrease with age, so attention should be paid.

　　2. Protein:

　　The protein needs of the elderly are no less than those of adults. Due to the increase in catabolism and the gradual slowdown of anabolism, negative nitrogen balance is more likely to occur. Therefore, the protein supply of the elderly is no less than that of adults, especially when calculated in kilograms of body weight. Choose high-quality protein for better utilization. Under normal circumstances, the proportion of protein in the total daily intake should also be increased, about 12% to 14%.

　　3. Carbohydrates:

　　The elderly should use different types of carbohydrates, but the proportion of polysaccharides should not be too small. Fructose is less likely to be converted into fat in the body, so jam and honey can be consumed as part of the sugar. Under normal circumstances, it is appropriate for carbohydrates to account for about 60% of total calories.

　　4. Lipids:

　　The elderly need lipids just like adults, which help absorb fat-soluble vitamins and improve the flavor of vegetable foods. The lipids should be mainly vegetable oils, but it is not necessary to eliminate all animal fats. Excessive unsaturated fatty acids in the diet are not necessarily beneficial.