Research published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging (2011; 15(2):99–103) examined changes in nutritional status among 78 non-institutionalized adults aged 70 to 75 years over a 10-year period. At baseline, participants consumed diets that met the lowest European recommended daily allowances for most vitamins, with the exception of thiamin.
Over the course of the study, the number of identified nutrient deficiencies increased. By follow-up, deficiencies in riboflavin and vitamin A were observed in approximately half of the participants, and vitamin C deficiency was also reported in a substantial proportion of subjects. The authors noted that micronutrient status declined over time despite initially adequate dietary intake.
