Purpose of review: To highlight recent conundrums in the interface of nutrition, biology and aging.
Recent findings: A Mediterranean diet with extra virgin olive oil, or similar plant-based diets, including five helpings of fruit and vegetables, exercise and nonsmoking are the mainstays of aging successfully. Recent studies have questioned the utility of weight loss in older persons, the use of antioxidant vitamin supplements as well as the appropriate level of sodium intake. The understanding of the role of ethnicity in the levels of vitamin D-binding protein has questioned the measurement of 25(OH)vitamin D by itself. Gut microbiota may also appear important for aging.
Summary: Continuous scientific advances are leading us to question whether some of our nutrient beliefs need to be altered in older persons.