Nutrition plays an important role in the ageing process as it helps to maintain good health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

When you are older, you often need fewer calories to maintain your weight, since you may tend to move and exercise less and carry less muscle, however, you need just as high or even higher levels of some nutrients, compared to younger people.

Protein and Amino Acids

To preserve muscle mass, you need an ample supply of protein which contains amino acids. A combination of whey, milk, and soy protein in a nutritional supplement is important to make sure that the body receives complete proteins.

Omega-3 fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are known as essential fatty acids as they cannot be synthesised by the body. They are important for cognitive functioning, maintaining normal cholesterol levels, supporting normal functioning of the heart as well as the functioning of the immune system.

Calcium and vitamin D

Calcium helps build and maintain healthy bones, while Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for making red blood cells and maintaining healthy brain function. Reduced stomach acid production can lead to less Vitamin B12 absorption from foods, therefore supplementing with Vitamin B12 is recommended.

Iron

Iron deficiency is common in elderly people. This can cause anaemia, a condition in which the blood does not supply enough oxygen to the body.

Vitamin D, E, C, and minerals zinc and selenium are involved in supporting the immune system.

Water

It’s very important to make a conscious effort to drink enough water daily. If you find drinking water a challenge, try having one to two glasses of water with each meal or carry a water bottle with you as you go about your day.2