Food supplementation is important for the elderly because it helps to compensate for possible nutritional deficiencies resulting from an inadequate diet, age-related changes in metabolism, difficulties with chewing and digestion, and chronic health conditions that can affect the absorption of nutrients¹-³.
Food supplements provide essential nutrients in concentrated amounts, contributing to health maintenance, disease prevention and the promotion of general well-being in old age³.
The specific benefits of supplementation for the elderly include supporting bone and muscle health, improving immune function, maintaining cardiovascular health, preserving cognitive function, promoting skin health and reducing the risk of nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12 and calcium deficiency, which are common in this age group³.
The recommendation to start dietary supplementation during ageing varies according to individual needs and should be determined by a health professional based on a thorough assessment of health status, diet, lifestyle and therapeutic goals¹,².
Generally, dietary supplementation can be initiated when there are signs of nutritional deficiencies, difficulties in ingesting nutrients through conventional food, or to prevent age-related deterioration in health¹-³.
