Nutrition in the elderly: nutritional aspects of chronic diseases.

Osteoporosis, diseases of the oral cavity, GI disorders, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease are highly influenced by dietary factors. Older patients may benefit from calcium supplementation even if the osteoporotic process is well under way. Certain GI disorders respond to increased fiber intake. Obesity and diabetes are sensitive to dietary changes, and diabetes sometimes can be prevented or reversed in its early stages with diet and exercise. High fruit and vegetable consumption seems to lower cancer risk. No strong evidence suggests that nutritional supplements improve cognition.