What is the nutritional status of the elderly?

Recent surveys have assessed the nutritional status of the elderly in the United States. One of the most consistent findings is an age-dependent decline in energy intake. Clinical protein deficiency among free-living elderly in the country is unusual despite reported lower serum albumin levels. The percentage of people with vitamin and mineral intakes below 2/3 of the RDA was common. Low nutrient intakes included vitamins A, D, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, calcium, and zinc. One unresolved problem is whether the nutrient needs of older adults are different from younger adults. Improvement in our understanding of the interaction of nutrition and related aging problems may improve and enhance the quality of nutritional care for the elderly.