Vitamins for the elderly: from A to zinc.

Nutritional status can be affected by a number of factors associated with increased age. Changes in appetite, taste, and swallowing can impact the eating habits of the elderly individual. In addition, the lower energy requirement of the elderly patient necessitates that these nutrients be consumed in greater density. Because many older adults have chronic diseases that may be affected by diet, providing optimal nutrition is especially important, and adequate stores of essential vitamins and minerals may play a key role in disease prevention and in modulating disease progression.