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Show Saturday, November Section 3, 1984 A Page 12 Older, slower, maybe, but nutrition needs still there By Dawn Tracy Tribune Lifestyle Writer Researchers are finding the assumption that the elderly require fewer nutrients because their bodies are slowing down and are less active may be false. Data indicates many elderly Americans, especially women, dont get enough calcium and that some older citizens may have other diet deficiencies, according to the Food and Drug Administrations consumer magazine. In a study conducted under a grant from the National Institute on Aging, scientists analyzed information for essential nutrients and diets cf the el Consumer magazine. Thereafter, bone mass begins to decline until menopause. Following menopause, the amount of bone loss in women tends to accelerate during the next three to seven years, possibly as a result of decreased estrogen levels. Those at greatest risk for osteopowod rosis arc slender, men and those who diet, drink or smoke regularly, according to the National Institutes of Health. Calcium and vitamin D are needed to maintain healthy bones. Calcium can be obtained from drinking milk and eating dairy foods. Vitamin D, an aid for calcium absorption, is present in liver, eggs and light-skinne- P0CKET WATCH derly. They found that calcium and zinc intake may be low. Researchers also found that intake of other essential nutrients folate, apthiamine, vitamin D and iron peared to be adequate. Another study, however, showed that vitamin D levels in some volunteers may be very low, including elderly participants living in sunny climates. More Studies Scientists reported in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that there is a great need for more effective techniques to detect deficiencies in the elderly. They also noted few studies have been done on nutrient requirements for the old. Recently, the National Institute of Health Consensus made public reports estimating that eight of 10 women in the United states dont get enough calcium. The deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a crippling bone disease affecting one in four older women. Generally, bone strength increases until age 30 to 35, according to FDA saltwater fish. Vitamin D can be obtained from exposure to sunlight and by consuming foods fortified with the vitamin. Absorption Declines Absorption of vitamin D declines with age, according to the FDA article. Deficiencies may occur among those ill or confined to institutions, heavy alcohol and drug users and those whose food budgets are limited by small incomes. r In a study conducted by the University of New Mexicos department of medicine, Dr. James S. Goodwin, chief of gerontology, is attempting to determine the consequences of subclinical malnutrition in the healthy elderly. The research, scheduled to be completed late this year, is supported by the National Institute on Aging. Volunteers in the study are free of major illness and take no prescription drugs; 270 are participating. Volunteers, 60 and older, live independently in the community, can afford to buy a variety of foods and are confive-yea- sidered generally knowledgeable about nutrition; 60 peictnt take vitamins and mineral supplements regularly. Preliminary findings indicate that the diets of the volunteers are generally adequate except for the intake of calcium and vitamin D among the women. Dr. Goodwin also found that blood levels of vitamin D in some of the volunteers appear to be very low. Dairy Products Low consumption of dairy products and insufficient exposure to sunlight may be principal reasons for the deficiencies, according to a study, reported in FDA Consumer. Dr. Good- win said that many elderly people avoid the sun to minimize risk of skin ' cancer. Participants not consuming many dairy products may do so to lower fat and cholesterol intakes. Some volunteers may have decreased ability to absorb vitamin D, as absorption declines with age, reported researchers. Dr. Goodwin also found that volunteers were consuming 2.4 times more vitamin C than they need. Excess vitamin C is not stored by the body but is excreted in the urine. Researchers found many volunteers taking five times the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins and minerals. Studies are not complete, but Dr. Goodwin has found that taking large doses of supplements has "very little effect. Another study, conducted by the U S. Department of Agricultures Human Nutritional Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, indicates that older people may have different requirements for some nutrients than do their younger counterparts. Researchers surveyed 1,000 men and women between 60 and 102 in the Boston area. Aging Process Slowed? Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg, assistant director of the Tufts research center, said many elderly participants were consuming less calcium, thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin K than younger adults. Vitamin K is needed for clotting of blood. The study also showed that some nutrients, such as folic acid, are adversely affected by changes in the in Blumberg. While their calorie requirements may be diminished because theyre less active, their nutrient requirements are the same or may be even greater than they were. Perhaps if elderly people get more of certain nutrients, he said, "the aging process may slow down. testinal system of older persons. Folic acid is needed for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Were questioning the basic assumption that old people require smaller amounts of nutrients because their bodies are slowing down and because theyre less active, said Dr. Old enough for crayons; to know where not to use them DEAR HELOISE: I have three small children who have marked on our painted walls with crayons. Do you know of any way to get the marks off? Jan A child psychologist once told a friend of mine that if children are old enough to use crayons, theyre to use them. old enough be taught where not to Heloise They're also old enough to remove them when theyve marked up the wrong places. The solution? Give the child a damp cloth with a little detergent on it and let him find out firstnand how difficult the marks are to remove from the walls. It just might teach him a valuable lesson. Since you probably will have to finish the job yourself, try lightly sprayh ing the marks with laundry spray (test a hidden spot on your wall first to make sure it wont stain). Spray, then wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Repeat the process if necespre-was- sary. Sometimes, toothpaste also will remove the marks but, as it is slightly abrasive, use it sparingly. Again, test a hidden spot on your walls just to be sure it doesnt remove the finish. Good luck! Heloise DEAR HELOISE: Have you ever had two stacked glass tumblers stick together? Just run the pair under running water until the air space in the bottom glass is about half full of water. Turn the pair upside down over a pan of water. Gently tap the outer glass with the handle of a kitchen table knife. Presto! They will fall apart. Be sure you have a pan of water beneath the pair to catch the loosened glass and water or the glass might break and the water inside the glass will make another mess to be cleaned Mrs. Dorothy Carrico up. DEAR HELOISE: Did you know aquarium charcoal can be by running hot water through it? An aquarium owner told me this trick and my fish are doing very well. For years, Ive recycled each batch of charcoal I use in the aquarium filter Mr. & Mrs. A.P. Sullithree times. van talked to my favorite fish shop owner and he agreed that your tips a Heloise goodie! I DEAR HELOISE: Are you as crazy about pineapple cheese spread as I am? Make your own by mixing 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, Vi cup of undrained crushed pineapple, 1 teaspoon vanilla and a dash of salt. Sugar to taste may be added, if desired. Mix thoroughly and spread over fresh sourdough or French bread and just lose yourself! Its better than an ice cream cone! Jane DEAR HELOISE: Do you have difficulty cleaning the fragile glass inside the stem of a hurricane lamp? Try using a clean, lightweight cloth wrapped around a bottle brush. It is an effective and safe method. William Cole DEAR HELOISE: I'd like to tell you about my experience with toys strung across a baby crib. Twenty-si- x years ago, when my son was a child, I had an experience that, thank goodness, did not end in tragedy. My son was an overactive I solved this problem by giving each member of my family his own small orange juice can. Each is filled with water and frozen. When you run water over the can, the ice will pop out in a chunk and is Sharon White just right for a glass. baby. One day, long before he should have been able to stand up, he did. By the grace of God, sixth sense of nature or whatever reason. I checked on him in his crib. The elastic was wrapped around his neck, choking him. I dont remember if I broke the elastic, but I probably had to cut it because elastic is tough stifff. DEAR HELOISE: After Ive tried a recipe and want to put it in my file, I cover the front with a piece of clear adhesive plastic about larger than the card. Elastic in the crib, whether on one side or going across, is dangerous. M.M. Dont take any chances. half-an-inc- h I clip the corners of the plastic and fold it over the back of the card, Thank you for telling your experience. Its amazing what babies can do, so why take any chances. There are ways they can be occupied withHeloise out any danger. DEAR HELOISE: I have six people in my home to prepare ice water for at mealtime and the ice trays usually are empty. pressing the plastic and the card down firmly. I wipe the plastic with a cloth and I have a recipe card that never had to be redone. Goldy Lindvall The sample you sent impressed me. The recipe is so neat and Heloise spot-proo- SUPER SOFA Every sofa, loveseat, sectional, pit sleeper ON SALE! Your choice from over 400 patterns & colors all available in many size options. Furniture made in our factory the way made-to-lastyou owe it to yourelf to our price! compare our quality & above all 1 0 THE WILSHIRE I , !&.. VN S('AM)IA WHATLL IT BE? 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