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13 - Nutrition, Muscle Function, and Mobility in Older People

from Part I - Biomedical Aspects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2019

Rocío Fernández-Ballesteros
Affiliation:
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Athanase Benetos
Affiliation:
Université de Lorraine and Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM) Nancy
Jean-Marie Robine
Affiliation:
INSERM
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Summary

Aging is associated with diminishing reserves and significant changes in body composition. In this context, the nutritional status of older persons deserves special consideration as the preservation of functionality is linked closely to it. The basic requirements of energy and protein intake, which should be calculated on an individual basis, have to be met. Otherwise the resulting nutritional deficits will accelerate the development of sarcopenia and frailty. In recent years, it could be shown that the anabolic effects of protein and branched-chain amino acids could stabilize or even improve strength and functionality in older persons. Vitamin D and other micronutrients may only be of benefit in this regard if a deficit is present. Most recently the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids has received wider attention.

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