Explain the Potential Benefits of micro nutrients?

The potential benefits of micro nutrients should also be taken into account when the nutrient allowances are defined for older adults. The increase in the status of vitamin  B₆, B_I2 and/or folate give protection against elevations in homocysteine - an  independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, depression and certain deficits of  neuro-cognitive function. A good nutritional status of vitamin C, E and p-carotene (antioxidants) among healthy elderly have shown a reduced risk for cancer, cataracts and heart disease..

Nutrients act as modulators of chronic disease risk. Therefore, it is more important for the elderly to consume a diet rich in antioxidant nutrients (vitamin A, C and E and,  selenium), B vitamins (folate, vitamin B₆ and B,,) .and minerals like calcium, to prevent chronic disease, rather than consuming just the arnounl of nutrients that are  needed to prevent a deficiency state from occurring. Strong links which have been made between specific nutrients and particular chronic illnesses are presented in the Table.