You may be chuckling about some of mom or dad’s cravings for sweets and junk food and have determined it is due to age or a medically related issue. However, providers of elder home care services suspect that many otherwise healthy seniors have vitamin deficiencies that cause such cravings. Were you aware that the lack of certain vitamins in your parent’s diet could cause them to crave foods?

Iron

If your mom or dad has an iron deficiency, they may crave meat. It’s possible your mother or father is a vegan or vegetarian by choice or dietary need. By maintaining a proper diet of dark leafy greens, providers of elder home care services say that your parent should not be iron-deficient. However, if they are, they may be drawn to the smell and savory need for a greasy burger or fried chicken, foods they usually do not eat. To satisfy these cravings and fulfill this deficiency, care experts recommend beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds, as well as dried fruits, to counteract low iron levels.

Vitamin B

Anxiety or depression may be a result of a deficiency in vitamin B. If your mom or dad starts binge eating, or not eating, you may notice other changes in their mood and personality too. Elder home care services providers suggest that you discuss these changes with your parent’s medical provider. Whether they are due to vitamin B deficiencies or other medications, his or her doctor will recommend changes that should be made and will monitor your parent to restore a proper balance.

Zinc

Zinc is vital for your parent’s health. It helps with metabolism and is part of the structure of insulin, which regulates blood sugar and is crucial for mom or dad if they are diabetic. This chemical also plays a critical role in wound healing and maintaining the immune system. Older adults often do not get enough zinc daily and elder home care services providers recommend a high fiber diet to achieve wellness.

The next time your mom or dad craves odd types of food, it might be caused by a nutrient their body is lacking.