Regarding micronutrient needs in older adults, which claim is aligned with the counseling content?

Regarding micronutrient needs in older adults, which claim is aligned with the counseling content?

• A. Older adults are more prone to dehydration than younger adults are.
• B. Older adults need significantly less of all vitamins and minerals than younger adults.
• C. Calcium supplementation is never required for older adults.
• D. Carbohydrates should be eliminated from the diet entirely.

Answer: (A)

Older adults are more prone to dehydration because aging brings physiological changes such as lower total body water, reduced kidney concentrating ability, and a diminished sense of thirst, often compounded by medications that increase fluid loss. This makes hydration a central counseling point when discussing micronutrient needs, so the statement about increased dehydration risk aligns with typical guidance. It isn’t accurate to say older adults universally need less of all vitamins and minerals, since needs can vary and some nutrients may stay the same or increase due to absorption and bone-health considerations. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation, for example, are commonly recommended for many older adults rather than being never required. Carbohydrates should not be eliminated; they provide essential energy and fiber for digestion.

Older adults are more prone to dehydration because aging brings physiological changes such as lower total body water, reduced kidney concentrating ability, and a diminished sense of thirst, often compounded by medications that increase fluid loss. This makes hydration a central counseling point when discussing micronutrient needs, so the statement about increased dehydration risk aligns with typical guidance. It isn’t accurate to say older adults universally need less of all vitamins and minerals, since needs can vary and some nutrients may stay the same or increase due to absorption and bone-health considerations. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation, for example, are commonly recommended for many older adults rather than being never required. Carbohydrates should not be eliminated; they provide essential energy and fiber for digestion.