In a 2008 article from the Linus Pauling Institute, “While overall caloric needs tend to decrease with age, the requirements for individual micronutrients (vitamins and nutritionally-essential minerals) do not decrease. In fact, the needs for some micronutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, actually increase with age: adults older than 50 years require higher intakes of these two micronutrients. Older adults may also need more dietary antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, as well as certain B vitamins, including vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12. Micronutrient deficiencies are quite common in the U.S. and other countries, and older adults are especially vulnerable. Since physical activity levels generally decline with increasing age, older adults have lower energy requirements than younger adults. Therefore, it is particularly important for older adults to choose nutrient-rich foods and take a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement. Adequate intake of micronutrients not only ensures that current metabolic needs are met but also may reduce one’s risk for chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis, that are more common in older adults.”

Micronutrient deficiencies in older adults can be caused by a combination of factors, including:
• Physical injuries
• Emotional Stress
• Chronic health issues
• Drug (prescription and other) usage

As we age, bones, joints and cartilage deterioration can remind us that “something isn’t right.” Micronutrients are important to bone, intestinal absorption, skin, your metabolism, etc. For good bone health, it is important to have adequate nutritional amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium, and for the prevention of bone-related diseases in older adults.

We all know that we need Calcium. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, Calcium is the most common mineral in the human body, with about 99% of total body calcium residing in bones and teeth. Without the dietary intake being properly met, the body can demineralize bone in order to maintain blood levels of calcium within a narrow range, necessary for normal physiological function. This bone demineralization can lead to bone fragility, osteoporosis, and bone fracture.
Vitamin D is also a key vitamin for marinating bone density and muscle strength.

Older adults often have a reduced capacity to synthesize vitamin D in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation. Older adults can also have an impaired conversion of vitamin D to its active form in the kidneys. Vitamin D synthesis in the body requires cholesterol, and because of the widespread use of Statin medications today, many Americans have markedly inadequate levels of Vitamin D. Therefore, supplemental vitamin D is especially important for older adults.

Magnesium is a mineral where most US Adults do not meet the RDA, and elderly adults are especially at risk due to low dietary intakes, reduced intestinal absorption, and increased urinary losses of the mineral. Additionally, the RDA for Magnesium is far too low. Because Magnesium is integral to diverse roles in the body, Magnesium deficiency can result in serious health issues. It is a cofactor for more than 300 metabolic reactions, including those required for energy production, nerve function and muscle function, making neurotransmitters in our brain that alleviate depression, as well as bone health. Magnesium deficiency is one of the most widespread deficiencies in America today because it is the “stress mineral” and is rapidly depleted during times of emotional stress which most Americans experience on a daily basis, and physical stress such as during exercise and trauma from injuries. Magnesium deficiency can impair calcium and vitamin D metabolism, leading to bone loss.

There are also micronutrients that function as antioxidants, including Vitamins C and E. Vitamin C and other antioxidants protect various molecules in the body, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), from oxidative damage by free radicals. Vitamin E is credited with helping to protect against oxidative stress, which can impact or help prevent neurodegenerative diseases as well as cardiac related issues.

How we detect nutritional and health related issues?
Even if you take the RDA (Recommended Daily Amount) of micro-nutrients, how can you be sure you are absorbing them? Our practice uses the TRIAD Blood Spot test. This is a simple test that our patients perform in the comfort of their home. It requires obtaining a blood spot/smear, and a urine collection, all contained within the kit performed by the individual and does not require a lab. This test, which is billable to insurance, collects a large amount of data, more than most lab tests used today, that tells us what nutrient deficiencies you are experiencing, how well your body is healing and repairing itself, neurotransmitter status required for optimal brain function, gut health, any hidden infections, food sensitivities which can hinder your energy and fatigue levels, energy production and maintenance.

This test can provide answers for many people who feel as if they are aging faster than they should, or for those who are approaching their senior years but who want to maintain an active and vital life.

Call or contact us now for more information on how we can help you slow down the aging process and feel good again. Getting older does not mean you have to slow down, or “feel old.”