Healthy eating: Over 50s and red meat

Professor Robert Pickard explains why diets of those of middle age & older are short in vital vitamins and minerals, and how red meat can help.
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After the age of 60 it is far more difficult for older people to absorb vitamins and minerals through the gut – making it harder for bodies to get the vital nutrients they need.

So what do you do if you feel that your diet is deficient? Do you sign up for the lastest fad diet? Bombard your body with supplements? Or binge on sugary energy products?

None of the above! Minerals such as potassium, zinc and magnesium are fairly low in the diets of elderley people and red meat being a particulary good source of those nutrients is the ideal food to include in your diet.

One of the other problems you face as you get older is a reduction in muscle mass – this is a process called sarcopenia. There is no doubt that having a good supply of proteins – as are found in red meat can help you cope with the condition.

Have you cut out red meat as a result fo the horse meat scandal? Are you confused by conflicting medical stories about the pros and cons of eating red meat? Share your thoughts below or in 50connect forums.

Last modified: June 10, 2021

Written by 5:00 pm Nutrition