Dietitians Urge 1.2 Grams of Protein per Kg After 50 as 6 Nutrients Gain Importance
Updated
Updated · health.yahoo.com · Jul 24
Dietitians Urge 1.2 Grams of Protein per Kg After 50 as 6 Nutrients Gain Importance
2 articles · Updated · health.yahoo.com · Jul 24
Summary
People over 50 should pay closer attention to six nutrients—protein, calcium, vitamin D, B12, omega-3s and fiber—as aging changes absorption, muscle maintenance and bone needs.
Protein needs rise from roughly 0.8-1.0 grams per kilogram of body weight to about 1.2 grams after 50, as age-related muscle loss accelerates.
Women over 50 are generally advised to get 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily, with vitamin D critical for absorption; about 50% of people over 60 have low vitamin D levels.
B12 becomes harder to absorb with age and deficiencies can show up as fatigue or brain fog, while omega-3 targets are about 1.6 grams a day for men and 1.1 grams for women.
Fiber targets ease slightly with age, but most adults still miss them; dietitians say better meal planning and hydration—not major restriction or heavy supplement use—usually cover the shift.