This is related to not absorbing nutrients from foods as well as younger adults and also needing more nutrients as we age. For these reasons, it is important for older adults to take certain supplements. Therefore, the LPI has set specific supplement recommendations for older adults.

All of the guidelines listed here will help people over the age of 50 support their immune system. Optimal nutrition promotes optimal immune function. To fight viruses and support a strong immune system , it is very important to get the nutrients you need to stay healthy. In times of health crisis, we would all do well to follow these general guidelines: eat a balanced diet and take a daily multivitamin.

Authors: Alexander Michels, PhD; Victoria Drake, PhD; Sandra Uesugi, RN, BSN, MS; Carmen Wong, PhD; Emily Ho, PhD; and Adrian Gombart, PhD, all from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Contact information here. Donate Today! Get Updates from the Institute.

Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University Linus Pauling Science Center Corvallis, Oregon phone: fax: email: [email protected]. For media contact information. Skip to main content. Toggle menu Go to search page. Search Field. About the LPI Faculty and Staff Our Research Micronutrient Information Publications Contact Information Donate.

Nutritional strategies to support your immune system. Nutrients for the Immune System Many nutrients form the foundation of a healthy immune system. If you have anemia Nutrient The LPI Recommendation Where can I get more? Can Supplements Help?

Look for quality testing on your supplements, like the USP or NSF seal. Check if your multivitamin has zinc. Make sure not to exceed 40 mg of zinc per day from food and supplements combined. What about Older Adults? Conclusions Optimal nutrition promotes optimal immune function. Contact Info Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University Linus Pauling Science Center Corvallis, Oregon phone: fax: email: [email protected] For media contact information.

Copyright © Oregon State University Disclaimer. The LPI Recommendation. Healthy eating emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and lean protein and limits added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium.

However, in , only about 1 in 10 US adults met recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake. In addition, federal guidelines [PDF That means that in a 2,calorie diet, no more than calories—about 12 teaspoons—should come from added sugars.

Yet in —, the average intake of added sugars was 17 teaspoons for children and adults. When healthy items are not readily available, people may settle for unhealthy foods.

States and communities can improve access to healthy foods in a variety of ways. Applying food service or nutrition guidelines such as the Food Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities [PDF Healthy Eating Research Nutrition Guidelines for the Charitable Food System [PDF Supporting Wellness at Pantries SWAP Resources Tips for applying the SWAP ranking system for food banks and pantries.

Food Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities [PDF Use the guidelines to make cafeterias and other food service venues healthier, safer, more sustainable, and easier to select healthier foods and beverages.

Food Service Guidelines Implementation Toolkit In-depth guidance on using four building blocks to implement food service guidelines. Useful features of this key resource include:. Healthier Food Donation Guidelines for Retailers and Distributors How to donate nutritious foods and beverages to food banks, food pantries, and other charitable food networks.

Provides practical tips on identifying and tracking items for donation. Linking to a non-federal site does not constitute an endorsement by HHS or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the site.

What is the Evidence for State and Local Laws Addressing Sodium Reduction among the US Adult Population? Behavioral Design Tools Contains an evidence review, sample diagrams, and electronic checklists of behavioral design strategies to facilitate healthier food purchases.

Use the checklists below to record whether suggested strategies are already in use, planned for implementation, or may be considered in the future. Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies Toolkit Helps emergency preparedness and response personnel, families, and the public ensure that children are fed safely when disaster strikes.

Cultural Food Preferences in Food Service Considerations when seeking to offer cultural foods in food service. Covers topics such as how to decide which foods to offer, how to communicate with vendors, and how to use policies and contracts to ensure these foods are available.

Also see resources for fruit and vegetable voucher incentives and produce prescriptions. Philadelphia Hospitals Offer Healthier Options with Good Food, Healthy Hospitals Good Food Healthy Hospitals invited hospitals to adopt standards in at least one of five hospital food environments: purchased food and beverages, cafeteria meals, patient meals, catering, and vending machines.

After 1 year in action, two hospitals saw an increase in sales in healthy items. In addition, behavioral design optimizes building and facility design, construction, and management to improve the overall experience. Facility efficiency, environmental support, and community development [PDF Nutrition guidelines for charitable food systems are used in settings such as food banks and food pantries to ensure that people with food insecurity have nutritious food offerings.

The HER guidelines [PDF For charitable meal distribution programs, food service guidelines can be adapted to meet consumer needs. Food service guidelines are specific standards for healthier food and beverages and food service operations used in venues such as cafeterias, cafés, grills, snack bars, concession stands, micro markets, and vending machines.

The venues can be in worksites such as hospitals; colleges and universities; private workplaces; and state, local, or tribal government facilities and community settings such as parks, recreational centers, and stadiums.

Food service guidelines do not apply to food served to children in childcare or school settings that are governed by federal laws and regulation, including the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program.

It is one of the most comprehensive sets of food service guidelines available. It contains standards for food and nutrition; facility efficiency, environmental support, and community development; food safety; and behavioral design.