Nutrition Guidelines and Considerations
Nutrition Guidelines and Considerations
This domain tests general nutrition education and referral, not medical nutrition therapy. You may discuss protein, hydration, fiber, calcium, and vitamin D; you may not prescribe diets, supplements, or calorie targets.
Core rules
- Protein: many older adults need about 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day; distribute 25–30 g per meal to support muscle.
- Hydration: thirst declines; encourage fluids across the day and monitor dark urine, dizziness, or confusion.
- Calcium and vitamin D: support bone health; food sources and clinician-guided supplementation.
- Fiber and fluids help constipation; energy needs often fall with age, so nutrient density matters.
- Screen for unintentional weight loss, poor appetite, chewing/swallowing problems, and food insecurity; refer to a registered dietitian.
- Coordinate with diabetes, kidney, and heart-failure care plans; do not override clinician advice.
Worked example
An 80-year-old weighs 60 kg and reports poor appetite. Your protein target estimate is 60–72 g/day. You suggest a morning yogurt, egg at lunch, and soft fish at dinner, plus a water bottle between meals. Because weight loss is 4 kg in 3 months, you refer to the dietitian and clinician rather than adding a supplement yourself.
Traps
Prescribing high protein without considering kidney disease, recommending supplements as treatment, ignoring hydration, and giving a rigid meal plan. Do not promise muscle gain from protein alone.