Once you turn adult your energy requirement diminishes as your body is no longer growing, however its micro-nutrient (Vitamins, minerals) requirement stays high, as it enables body perform several important functions. However with age the way our body processes food changes due to the following reasons:
- Reduced rate of metabolism: With age metabolism rate reduces naturally as activity levels reduces, which results into lower energy requirement of the body. Therefore you need to consume lesser energy to stay at a healthy weight. However micro-nutrient requirement stays high, infect it becomes higher than usual. Therefore you need to eat nutrient rich food.
- Reduced levels of Digestive Enzymes: With age secretion of enzymes reduces in the digestive track. Therefore your body is not able to process food in your digestive system when you get older. This reduction of digestive enzymes make it harder for your body to absorb important nutrients like B Vitamins and minerals.
- Medication: At older age people start to take medication due to health issues. Which can result into loss of appetite, stomach upset etc, which can lead to poor nutrition.