Effect of aging on the gastrointestinal system
With aging, there is a decline in the actual form of the intestines and in the membrane composition of the intestine. This causes declines in the absorption of some nutrients, such as fatty acids and cholesterol. The changes common in the GI system during aging include:
1. Decreased ability of the intestinal walls to hold and absorb nutrients makes older people highly sensitive to bodily insults.
2. Drugs appreciably affect taste sensation and thereby appetite.
3. Malabsorption can be caused by low levels of gastric acids, possibly compounded by gastric hypochlorrhydria with small bowel bacterial overgrowth.
4. There is also age related changes in gastrointestinal-associated mucosal immune response.
Dr. Beharka from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University found that serum levels of immunoglobulin-A (IgA)- a type of antibody responsible for immune response- increased with age. Additionally, older subjects were less able to produce interleukin-2 (IL-2).
Dr. Gill from Massey University in New Zealand published findings that recommend dietary supplementation as a method to safely and effectively counter the physiological changes of the GI system with age. The researchers suggest that doing so strengthens important immune and GI functions.
source: www.genf20hgh.net
