New dietary guidelines for seniors: More protein

Sweden’s National Food Agency has issued updated dietary advice for people over 65, recommending increased protein intake and, for those over 75, daily vitamin D supplements, SVT reports.

“Small changes make a difference,” said Susanna Kugelberg, a public health nutritionist at the agency. She noted that improved eating habits can reduce the risk of conditions such as dementia.

For seniors with reduced appetite, maintaining sufficient energy and protein intake is critical to preserving function and quality of life.

The core guidelines mirror those for the general adult population—emphasising fruit, vegetables, whole grains, varied protein sources, and limited sugar and alcohol—with added stress on extra protein and vitamin D for older age groups.