Need States Healthy Ageing

Weight management & Diabetes

• Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in the world. Worldwide obesity has nearly doubled since 1980. 35% of adults were overweight or obese in 2008. (Key word: Obesity epidemic). . The prevalence of obesity also rises throughout the adult years.

382 million people have diabetes by 2035 this will rise to 592 million (Key word: Rising Diabetes prevalence). The greatest number of people with diabetes are between 40-59 years of age.

• Nutritional considerations include: Portion and calorie control to support energy balance, protein and fibre intake for appetite regulation and satiety purposes, nutrient density to provide balanced nutrition, lower sugar and fat intake to avoid empty calories and support energy balance, soluble fibre and wholegrains for blood glucose regulation.

Bone and Joint health

Bone mass increases throughout growth until our about the age of 20, when peak bone mass is achieved. From the age of around 40 onwards, bone loss exceeds bone formation and bone mass decreases (Key word: Decreasing bone mass)

Excess bone loss leads to osteoporosis – a condition characterised by bone fragility and an increased risk of fracture.

Healthy bones can only be achieved and maintained if the diet meets nutritional requirements. Adeqaute protein and micronutrients such as Vitamin D, vitamin K, Vitamin A, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium are needed to support bone mineral density. Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have also been shown to be beneficial for joint health to lower inflammation

Cognitive health

• All aging humans will develop some degree of decline in cognitive capacity as time progresses. Data indicates the deterioration of the biological framework that underlies the ability to think and reason may begin as early as the mid twenties.
• Cognitive decline does not affect all individuals equally and clear associations exist between rate and severity of cognitive decline and a variety of factors including nutritional status (Key word: Individual variation)
• In relation to general cognitive health, a number of ingredients have been shown to potentially have a positive impact including LCPUFA – DHA and ARA, Vitamin E, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, vitamin B6, Choline, Iron, Zinc to support brain health and cognitive performance (Key words: Nutrition and cognition)

Heart health

• Heart health refers to the health of the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death globally. CVD’s are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. It’s origin is multifactorial and strongly associated with risk factors such as poor diet and inadequate physical activity.
• Nutritional recommendations for primary and secondary prevention include: Healthy fats (MUFA, LCPUFA-EPA/DHA) are recommended to support healthy blood lipids, lower inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity, Soluble dietary fiber to regulate blood lipids & glucose and improve insulin sensitivity and adequate wholegrain and Protein intake to support weight management, body composition and normal blood pressure.

Immune health

• The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from infection. The immune system prevents and limits the entry and growth of harmful microbes to maintain optimal health.
• Normal aging has a marked effect on immunity, with the cumulative evidence indicating that cell mediated immunity consistently shows age-related decrements in function. Immune function is also susceptible to stress, with many of the same immune deficits as are observed in aging (Key word: Aging and immunity)
• Adequate protein status is essential to support immune health and may aid in the reduction of infection risk.
• Antioxidants, vitamins and minerals also help to boost natural defences and protect cells.

Muscle health

• Human muscle undergoes constant changes. After about age 50, muscle mass decreases at an annual rate of 1-2%. Muscle strength declines by 1.5% per year between age 50 and 60 and by 3% thereafter. (Key words: Changes in muscle mass)
• Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle mass, muscle quality and physical strength and function. On average it is estimated that 5-13% of elderly people aged 60-70 years are affected by sarcopenia.
• The progression of sarcopenia is influenced by insufficient intakes of protein and energy, impaired utililsation of nutrients, insulin resistance, subclinical inflammation and inactivity.
• Adequate protein intake is therefore essential to support muscle building, maintenance and slow muscle loss.
• Adequate energy balance as well as sufficient micronutrient intakes are essential for muscle health

Digestive health

• Digestive health does not cover off one organ or function of the body, but rather encompasses an entire system – the digestive system.
• Digestive ailments are all encompassing and almost everyone experiences digestive issues from time to time whether it’s an upset stomach, gas, heartburn, or constipation, gastrointestinal woes are often uncomfortable and can be embarrassing.
• Prebiotics and probiotics can help establish and maintain healthy gut microflora, which in turn is beneficial for healthy digestion and stimulation of the immune system
• A diet rich in fibre can support gut function and can help with regular digestion, constipation and diarrhoea.
• Those with other digestive tolerance issues such as IBS or intolerances, may require specific solutions to ease discomfort.