Which statement correctly identifies the nutrients whose absorption may be reduced due to age-related changes in the GI tract?

Which statement correctly identifies the nutrients whose absorption may be reduced due to age-related changes in the GI tract?

• A. Calcium, iron, and vitamin D
• B. Calcium, potassium, and magnesium
• C. Vitamin C and zinc
• D. Calcium, iron, and vitamin D

Answer: (D)

As people age, changes in the GI tract—such as lower gastric acid, slower transit, and some fat‑absorption declines—alter how well certain nutrients are absorbed. Calcium relies partly on stomach acid to dissolve it and on vitamin D to promote active transport in the gut; when gastric acidity wanes with aging, calcium solubility and absorption drop. Vitamin D, being fat‑soluble, is also affected because age-related reductions in fat digestion and micelle formation can hinder its absorption. Iron, especially non‑heme iron, needs an acidic environment to stay soluble; reduced stomach acid with aging can therefore lower iron absorption. Together, these age‑related GI changes most consistently point to reduced absorption of calcium, iron, and vitamin D. Potassium and magnesium are less typically affected in this context, and vitamin C and zinc are not primarily tied to aging‑related GI changes.

As people age, changes in the GI tract—such as lower gastric acid, slower transit, and some fat‑absorption declines—alter how well certain nutrients are absorbed. Calcium relies partly on stomach acid to dissolve it and on vitamin D to promote active transport in the gut; when gastric acidity wanes with aging, calcium solubility and absorption drop. Vitamin D, being fat‑soluble, is also affected because age-related reductions in fat digestion and micelle formation can hinder its absorption. Iron, especially non‑heme iron, needs an acidic environment to stay soluble; reduced stomach acid with aging can therefore lower iron absorption.

Together, these age‑related GI changes most consistently point to reduced absorption of calcium, iron, and vitamin D. Potassium and magnesium are less typically affected in this context, and vitamin C and zinc are not primarily tied to aging‑related GI changes.