中老年营养食品怎么选？专家：“养老”需从备老开始

Core Insights - The aging population in China is increasing, with 21.1% of the population aged 60 and above by the end of 2023, and projections indicate that over 10% will be aged 80 and above by around 2050 [1] - There is a growing demand for nutritional products tailored for the elderly, including functional foods, dietary supplements, and special medical purpose foods [1][6] Group 1: Nutritional Needs of the Elderly - The elderly population faces various nutritional deficiencies, particularly in protein, vitamins A, B, C, and D, and minerals like calcium and selenium [3][5] - Recommendations for the elderly include a balanced diet with diverse food sources, adequate protein intake (65g for men and 55g for women), and daily calcium and vitamin D intake of 800mg [3][5] - The report emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, regular meal patterns, and adequate hydration [5] Group 2: Nutritional Challenges by Age Group - Individuals aged 45 to 64 are at high risk for diabetes and blood lipid abnormalities, necessitating lifestyle interventions [2] - Those aged 65 to 79 often experience structural imbalances in macronutrient intake, with high carbohydrate and fat consumption but insufficient protein [4] - For those aged 80 and above, there is a significant shortfall in vegetable, fruit, and dairy intake, with a notable disparity between urban and rural populations [4] Group 3: Types of Nutritional Products - The elderly nutrition market includes dietary supplements, functional foods, and special medical purpose foods, such as protein powders and calcium supplements [6] - Ordinary foods provide basic nutrition without health claims, while special medical purpose foods are designed for specific health needs and require regulatory approval [7][8] - Health supplements must be chosen carefully, with attention to their claims, ingredients, and the necessity of supplementation based on dietary intake [9]