Micronutrients & recovery
Older adults with low BMI (<22 kg/m2) who consume a low variety of micronutrient-dense foods are at extreme nutritional risk, with 0% meeting the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) for all 14 micronutrients.
If you are an older adult with a low body weight, you are at high risk for missing essential vitamins and minerals. You must eat a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains) every day. Relying on a limited diet, even if it is 'healthy' low-calorie food, will likely result in severe nutrient deficiencies.
Older adults who had a low BMI and consumed a low variety of micronutrient-dense foods were particularly at nutritional risk... none meeting the Estimated Average Requirements for all 14 micronutrients.
Why this rating
Clear statistical finding in a large subset, but cross-sectional nature prevents confirming causality of the low variety causing the deficiency (though highly correlated).
Source
Dietary Variety Predicts Low Body Mass Indexand Inadequate Macronutrient and MicronutrientIntakes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Susan B. Roberts et al. · The Journals of Gerontology Series A · 2005
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