Nutritional implications of medication use and misuse in elderly.

Factors responsible for an increased risk of drug-nutrient interactions in the elderly are an increased exposure to drug use for chronic health conditions and the greater chance for marginal diets deficient in nutrients. Poor patient compliance and physicians' prescribing patterns further complicate the risk. Several nutrient-drug interactions cause changes in drug efficacy and affect nutritional status. To identify and assess elderly patients at risk, each should be evaluated through socioeconomic, dietary, and clinical parameters. The health-care team must be knowledgeable regarding drug interactions to properly intervene using a multidisciplinary approach. An intervention program could prevent a decline in the elderly's health status, reduce healthcare costs and improve the quality of life.