The requirement for vitamins in aging and age-associated degenerative conditions.

Consideration of the new evidence for changed nutrient requirements associated with aging raises the important issue of defining appropriate criteria for the selection of recommended vitamin intakes. Many of the criteria currently employed to establish dietary standards lack the sensitivity to detect subtle nutrition-sensitive alterations in metabolism with significant consequences for the aging process or place little weight on the risk factors of chronic diseases common among the elderly. It now appears possible to determine optimal levels of physiologic function for older age groups and design the nutrient intakes to achieve them. Further, the allowances for vitamins can now focus on intakes which not only prevent deficiency states but are associated with maximal risk reduction of chronic disease and disability.