mellowsong
12-27-07, 10:31 PM
The biggest problem I find with this new pyramid regards fats. Vegetable oil is featured prominently as are LOW and NON-FAT products. Saturated fat is STILL listed as bad for you as transfats although research has proven time and again, saturated fat is NOT the culprit. Also, soy is recommended. Why do they think older adults need frozen vegetables? If they can push the buttons for a microwave, they can steam fresh veggies or eat them raw depending on what they are! Another major problem is the claim that most nutrients can be gotten in adequate quantities through food. In the elderly especially, who generally eat less, that is no longer true even if an all organic diet is eaten. I'm sure some of you can give good examples of our dumbed down foods. They DO suggest B12, Calcium and Vit D supplements. All of the food pyramids for the various age groups have the same problems listed above. Until the truth about range-fed vs grain fed meats, raw milk vs pasteurized milk, GMO foods etc comes out and guidelines are revised with TRUTH in mind, the population will continue to get sicker and sicker.
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Food Pyramid for Older Adults
The new graphic version of MyPyramid specifically targets relatively healthy individuals 70 years of age and older who are reasonably active and live independently. As with the earlier graphics, it reflects the principles of the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans and those of other health organizations, namely following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat and nonfat dairy products, legumes, fish, and lean meats.
The Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults specifically emphasizes whole grains; variety within the grains group; variety and nutrient density; vegetables and fruits particularly suited to older adults' needs, such as frozen foods; low-fat and nonfat dairy products including reduced lactose alternatives in the milk group; low saturated fat and trans fat choices in the oils group; and low saturated fat and vegetable options in the meat and beans group.
The underlying principles of the Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults include focus on nutrient- and fiber-rich foods within each group, recommending food sources of nutrients rather than supplements, and use of fluid and physical activity icons. The base of the pyramid has a row of glasses to remind older adults that it is crucial to remain well hydrated. In the second row, pictures of various physical activities emphasize the need for regular physical activity, which is of vital importance given the high prevalence of physical inactivity in older adults.
To highlight the possible need for supplemental forms of calcium, and vitamins D and B12 because of increased requirements for these nutrients associated with aging, a flag was placed at the top of the pyramid. More recent concerns about potential overnutrition in older adults are also addressed.
"It is important to communicate to older adults that eating should remain an enjoyable experience," the authors write. "Drawing public attention to this issue provides an opportunity for those educating the public regarding optimal nutrition, not just for those >70 y. The guidance provided can be used as a road map and should be adaptable so it can accommodate many different dietary preferences, patterns, and lifestyles."
The Ross Initiative on Aging at Tufts University and the USDA supported this project. The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
J Nutrition. 2008;138:5-11.
Clinical Context
Older adults have unique nutrient needs, with revised recommended dietary reference intakes based on age, and special vulnerability to compromised nutrient status. Although food intake tends to decrease with advancing age to compensate for reduced energy requirements, vitamin and mineral needs either remain constant or increase. However, overconsumption of energy and nutrients must be avoided.
Specific nutritional needs of elderly people were addressed in the Food Guide Pyramid for Older Adults, a modification of the 1990 Food Guide Pyramid for Americans. In 2005, the USDA released MyPyramid, which includes an Internet-based program allowing individuals to calculate food-based dietary guidance based on their specific clinical variables. However, older adults tend to be less comfortable with Internet use, so a graphic representation for a Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults is intended for use in this age group as an adjunct to the current Web-based MyPyramid.
Study Highlights
Older adults have less access and familiarity with computers vs younger adults and are less adept at obtaining Web-based information.
The Modified Food Guide Pyramid for adults aged 70 years and older has a narrower base to reflect lower energy needs of older adults because of changes in body composition and metabolic rate.
Selected food icons are replaced with nutrient-dense examples so that decreased food intake can accommodate unchanged or increased recommended dietary allowances for vitamins, minerals, and other crucial nutrients.
Fiber icons in appropriate food categories emphasize adequate fiber intake to promote optimal bowel function.
Older adults may be prone to overconsumption of energy and nutrients, which is addressed by a new category of recommendations: tolerable upper intake levels, or the highest average daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk for adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population.
Folate and sodium tend to be overconsumed in the older population.
The proposed Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults is in a format consistent with the MyPyramid graphic, but it is not intended to substitute for MyPyramid (a multifunctional, Web-based program providing individualized, food-based dietary guidance and supplemental information regarding food choices and preparation, based on sex, body weight, height, and level of physical activity).
The modified MyPyramid graphic is intended to provide older people with an alternate to the Web-based version in an easily understood graphic that could be used in print format for education and demonstration.
The new graphic version of MyPyramid specifically targets relatively healthy individuals aged 70 years and older who are reasonably active and live independently. Consistent with current guidelines, it portrays a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat and nonfat dairy products, legumes, fish, and lean meats.
The Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults specifically emphasizes whole grains; variety within the grains group; variety and nutrient density; vegetables and fruits that are easy to prepare (eg, frozen foods); low-fat and nonfat dairy products including reduced lactose alternatives in the milk group; low saturated fat and trans fat choices in the oils group; and low saturated fat and vegetable options in the meat and beans group.
Because of risks associated with alcohol consumption in elderly people, alcohol is not included as an integral component of the Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults.
The focus is on nutrient-rich and fiber-rich foods within each group, recommending food sources of nutrients rather than supplements, and use of fluid and physical activity icons.
The base of the pyramid has a row of glasses to remind older adults that it is crucial to remain well hydrated.
In the second row, pictures of various physical activities emphasize the need for regular exercise.
A flag on top of the pyramid highlights the possible need for supplemental forms of calcium and vitamins D and B12 because of increased requirements for these nutrients associated with aging.
More recent concerns about potential overnutrition in older adults are also addressed.Pearls for Practice
The Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults specifically emphasizes nutrient-rich and fiber-rich foods within each group and recommends food sources of nutrients rather than supplements. These include whole grains; variety within the grains group; variety and nutrient density; vegetables and fruits that are easy to prepare (eg, frozen foods); low-fat and nonfat dairy products including reduced lactose alternatives in the milk group; low saturated fat and trans fat choices in the oils group; and low saturated fat and vegetable options in the meat and beans group.
The Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults is a graphic intended to improve understanding and use of MyPyramid by the elderly population, who may be less comfortable with obtaining Web-based information.Medscape Medical News 2007. ©2007 Medscape
==============================================
Food Pyramid for Older Adults
The new graphic version of MyPyramid specifically targets relatively healthy individuals 70 years of age and older who are reasonably active and live independently. As with the earlier graphics, it reflects the principles of the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans and those of other health organizations, namely following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat and nonfat dairy products, legumes, fish, and lean meats.
The Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults specifically emphasizes whole grains; variety within the grains group; variety and nutrient density; vegetables and fruits particularly suited to older adults' needs, such as frozen foods; low-fat and nonfat dairy products including reduced lactose alternatives in the milk group; low saturated fat and trans fat choices in the oils group; and low saturated fat and vegetable options in the meat and beans group.
The underlying principles of the Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults include focus on nutrient- and fiber-rich foods within each group, recommending food sources of nutrients rather than supplements, and use of fluid and physical activity icons. The base of the pyramid has a row of glasses to remind older adults that it is crucial to remain well hydrated. In the second row, pictures of various physical activities emphasize the need for regular physical activity, which is of vital importance given the high prevalence of physical inactivity in older adults.
To highlight the possible need for supplemental forms of calcium, and vitamins D and B12 because of increased requirements for these nutrients associated with aging, a flag was placed at the top of the pyramid. More recent concerns about potential overnutrition in older adults are also addressed.
"It is important to communicate to older adults that eating should remain an enjoyable experience," the authors write. "Drawing public attention to this issue provides an opportunity for those educating the public regarding optimal nutrition, not just for those >70 y. The guidance provided can be used as a road map and should be adaptable so it can accommodate many different dietary preferences, patterns, and lifestyles."
The Ross Initiative on Aging at Tufts University and the USDA supported this project. The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
J Nutrition. 2008;138:5-11.
Clinical Context
Older adults have unique nutrient needs, with revised recommended dietary reference intakes based on age, and special vulnerability to compromised nutrient status. Although food intake tends to decrease with advancing age to compensate for reduced energy requirements, vitamin and mineral needs either remain constant or increase. However, overconsumption of energy and nutrients must be avoided.
Specific nutritional needs of elderly people were addressed in the Food Guide Pyramid for Older Adults, a modification of the 1990 Food Guide Pyramid for Americans. In 2005, the USDA released MyPyramid, which includes an Internet-based program allowing individuals to calculate food-based dietary guidance based on their specific clinical variables. However, older adults tend to be less comfortable with Internet use, so a graphic representation for a Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults is intended for use in this age group as an adjunct to the current Web-based MyPyramid.
Study Highlights
Older adults have less access and familiarity with computers vs younger adults and are less adept at obtaining Web-based information.
The Modified Food Guide Pyramid for adults aged 70 years and older has a narrower base to reflect lower energy needs of older adults because of changes in body composition and metabolic rate.
Selected food icons are replaced with nutrient-dense examples so that decreased food intake can accommodate unchanged or increased recommended dietary allowances for vitamins, minerals, and other crucial nutrients.
Fiber icons in appropriate food categories emphasize adequate fiber intake to promote optimal bowel function.
Older adults may be prone to overconsumption of energy and nutrients, which is addressed by a new category of recommendations: tolerable upper intake levels, or the highest average daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk for adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population.
Folate and sodium tend to be overconsumed in the older population.
The proposed Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults is in a format consistent with the MyPyramid graphic, but it is not intended to substitute for MyPyramid (a multifunctional, Web-based program providing individualized, food-based dietary guidance and supplemental information regarding food choices and preparation, based on sex, body weight, height, and level of physical activity).
The modified MyPyramid graphic is intended to provide older people with an alternate to the Web-based version in an easily understood graphic that could be used in print format for education and demonstration.
The new graphic version of MyPyramid specifically targets relatively healthy individuals aged 70 years and older who are reasonably active and live independently. Consistent with current guidelines, it portrays a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat and nonfat dairy products, legumes, fish, and lean meats.
The Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults specifically emphasizes whole grains; variety within the grains group; variety and nutrient density; vegetables and fruits that are easy to prepare (eg, frozen foods); low-fat and nonfat dairy products including reduced lactose alternatives in the milk group; low saturated fat and trans fat choices in the oils group; and low saturated fat and vegetable options in the meat and beans group.
Because of risks associated with alcohol consumption in elderly people, alcohol is not included as an integral component of the Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults.
The focus is on nutrient-rich and fiber-rich foods within each group, recommending food sources of nutrients rather than supplements, and use of fluid and physical activity icons.
The base of the pyramid has a row of glasses to remind older adults that it is crucial to remain well hydrated.
In the second row, pictures of various physical activities emphasize the need for regular exercise.
A flag on top of the pyramid highlights the possible need for supplemental forms of calcium and vitamins D and B12 because of increased requirements for these nutrients associated with aging.
More recent concerns about potential overnutrition in older adults are also addressed.Pearls for Practice
The Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults specifically emphasizes nutrient-rich and fiber-rich foods within each group and recommends food sources of nutrients rather than supplements. These include whole grains; variety within the grains group; variety and nutrient density; vegetables and fruits that are easy to prepare (eg, frozen foods); low-fat and nonfat dairy products including reduced lactose alternatives in the milk group; low saturated fat and trans fat choices in the oils group; and low saturated fat and vegetable options in the meat and beans group.
The Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults is a graphic intended to improve understanding and use of MyPyramid by the elderly population, who may be less comfortable with obtaining Web-based information.Medscape Medical News 2007. ©2007 Medscape