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Trace Element Deficiencies and Supplementations in the Elderly

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Trace Elements in Man and Animals 10

Conclusions

Trace element intakes and status are frequently marginal in elderly, resulting in nutrition-related diseases. Considering the essential protective roles of zinc and selenium against oxidative damage and decline of immune functions, or the beneficial effect of chromium on glucose tolerance, there is now increasing evidence that appropriate supplementations, restoring marginal trace element status, should reduce the risk of several common age-related degenerative diseases. Institutionalized people should also be monitored with respect to their antioxidant trace element status. Surprisingly, little information is available concerning the real mineral requirements of elderly people. Additional research also needs to be done to evaluate the efficiency of preventive supplementations associating several complementary micronutrients. In any case, many authors agree that more attention should be devoted to elderly people who represent the best target of preventive intervention, since the challenge is to maintain in a better state the growing older population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. LBSO UFR de Pharmacie, UJF Domaine de la Merci, F 38700, La Tronche, France

    Pr Anne-Marie Roussel

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  1. Pr Anne-Marie Roussel
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Joseph Fourier University, Grenoble, France

    A. M. Roussel  & A. E. Favier  & 

  2. Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland, USA

    R. A. Anderson

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© 2002 Kluwer Academic Publishers

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Roussel, AM. (2002). Trace Element Deficiencies and Supplementations in the Elderly. In: Roussel, A.M., Anderson, R.A., Favier, A.E. (eds) Trace Elements in Man and Animals 10. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-47466-2_129

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-47466-2_129

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