Which group is most likely to need certain dietary supplements?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Age-related declines in nutrient absorption (especially vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium) make elderly individuals the group most likely to need certain dietary supplements.

1) Relevant knowledge points and concepts
- Gastrointestinal changes with aging (atrophic gastritis, reduced gastric acid) impair absorption of vitamin B12 and some minerals. Reduced intrinsic factor production leads to B12 malabsorption.
- Decreased skin synthesis of cholecalciferol (vitamin D) and reduced renal conversion to active vitamin D lower vitamin D status in older adults, increasing need for supplementation.
- Lower dietary intake (poor appetite, dental problems), medication interactions (PPIs, metformin), and chronic disease increase risk of deficiencies.
- Consequences include anemia (B12/folate/iron), osteopenia/osteoporosis (calcium + vitamin D deficiency), and sarcopenia (insufficient protein and vitamin D).

2) Step-by-step reasoning
- Identify group at higher physiological risk of deficiency: elderly have documented declines in absorption and synthesis pathways.
- Match common supplement needs: B12 (due to low intrinsic factor/acid), vitamin D and calcium (due to reduced synthesis/absorption), sometimes zinc, folate, or protein supplements.
- Consider modifiers: medications and chronic conditions common in older adults further increase need.

3) (No numerical calculations required.)

4) Why the correct answer is correct
Elderly individuals often cannot obtain or absorb adequate amounts of specific micronutrients even with normal intake; clinical guidelines frequently recommend screening and supplementing B12, vitamin D, and calcium in older adults. The physiological and clinical evidence directly supports their higher likelihood of needing supplements.

5) Why the other options are incorrect
- a. Athletes with high caloric intake may need targeted supplements (iron, electrolytes), but high caloric/varied diets often meet micronutrient needs; supplementation is situational, not generally required.
- c. Teenagers with high metabolism typically obtain needed nutrients from normal diets and growth-related appetite; deficiencies are less common.
- d. Individuals with balanced diets and active lifestyles generally meet nutrient requirements through food and don’t usually need supplements.

Conclusion: The best choice is b. Elderly individuals with limited nutrient absorption, which matches the provided correct answer.

Which group is most likely to need certain dietary supplements?单项选择题

类似问题

Which of the following substances does not occur naturally in plant foods?

Which of the following impacts nutritional profile of foods?

What is a possible reason people would take dietary supplements?

Which group might need to take vitamin B-12 supplements?

Which diet is an example of a raw food diet?

Which of the following is found in a higher quantity in refined compared to whole grains?

Which one of the following is a serve of fruit in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating?[Fill in the blank]

The energy content for 100ml of a standard infant formula made according to directions is:[Fill in the blank]

更多留学生实用工具

智能学习助手

风格化写作助手

论文查重助手

文献引用助手

课堂转译助手

课堂笔记助手

Quiz搜索助手

学校历年真题

智能刷题助手

智能匹配练习

希望你的学习变得更简单