Baseline zinc deficiency risk in older adults is best described as due to what?

• A. Increased intake and absorption
• B. Decreased intake and absorption
• C. Zinc deficiency common only after infection
• D. Zinc status not affected by aging

Answer: (B)

Age-related zinc deficiency risk mainly comes from lower dietary intake and less efficient absorption. As people age, appetite and taste can decline, dental problems or swallowing difficulties limit zinc-rich foods, and overall food variety may shrink, leading to reduced zinc intake. At the same time, changes in the gut—such as lower gastric acid production and other age-related digestive changes—can impair how well zinc is absorbed. Inflammation and certain medications can modulate zinc status, but they influence the level on top of the baseline issue, not replace it. That’s why the best description is decreased intake and absorption.