Nutritional recommendations for the young and aging females

Abstract

Food selection is highly dependent upon cultural practices and regional food availability. The United States Department of Agriculture has repeatedly made modifications to nutritional recommendations for the nation over the past century. The food pyramid was created in 1992 in an attempt to simplify key nutritional points. The food pyramid was revamped in 2005 when MyPyramid was created. Since then, MyPlate is the most widely used visual tool for nutritional education. In the young female, proper calcium and vitamin D intake is key in the prevention of osteoporosis later in life. Sarcopenia and osteoporosis are dual concerns for the aging female, since both increase the risk of fractures. Sarcopenia prevention can occur through proper nutrition, including sufficient protein intake. Exercise is also important for sarcopenia and osteoporosis prevention. Requirements for proper nutrition vary between patients and a patient specific approach is crucial to overall health in the young and aging female.