Final answer:
Older people may require more vitamin C due to a decreased ability to process nutrients, increased need for antioxidant support, and changes in diet. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and overall health maintenance, which is particularly important as the risk for conditions like osteoporosis increases with age.
Step-by-step explanation:
As people age, their nutritional needs can change for various reasons. Older people often require more vitamin C due to factors such as a decreased ability to process nutrients and the increased importance of certain nutrients to combat age-related health issues, such as bone loss and weakening immune systems.
Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, which is crucial for skin health and wound healing. It also acts as an antioxidant, helping to prevent damage from free radicals, which are more likely to affect older individuals due to longer exposure to environmental factors and metabolic processes. Although vitamin C is not directly involved in bone mineralization like Vitamin D and calcium, it is vital for the overall maintenance of bone tissue.
Older adults might need an increased amount of vitamin C because they are at higher risk for conditions like osteoporosis, particularly post-menopausal women. Additionally, with age, dietary habits may change and result in reduced intake of foods rich in vitamin C, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of nutrient intake in the elderly. Ultimately, to support overall health and wellness, the need for vitamin C may become paramount with advancing age.