Does the Small Intestine Weaken with Age? Nutritional Absorption Secrets Seniors Must Know

How does modern medicine interpret the wisdom of Donguibogam? As we age, more changes occur in the small intestine than we might think. First, the secretion of digestive enzymes decreases. As enzymes that break down protein, carbohydrates, and fats diminish, properly digesting food becomes difficult. Furthermore, gastric acid secretion also decreases, reducing the absorption rate of crucial minerals like vitamin B12 and iron. Changes in the intestinal wall cannot be overlooked either. As the number of villi responsible for absorbing nutrients declines or their length shortens, the surface area for nutrient absorption itself decreases. It is just like a building having fewer windows, letting in less sunlight. These changes lead to senile nutritional deficiency, becoming the cause of various health issues such as sarcopenia, decreased immunity, and reduced bone mineral density. In particular, if protein absorption is insufficient, muscle mass decreases, causing a lack of energy and making one easily fatigued. The gut microbiota environment that determines gut health also changes with age. As beneficial bacteria decrease and harmful bacteria multiply, this can trigger an inflammatory response in the gut or lead to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, worsening digestive system symptoms such as abdominal distension, diarrhea, and constipation. Additionally, an imbalance can occur in ghrelin and leptin, the hormones that regulate appetite, so there are many cases where one does not feel an appetite even though the body actually needs nutrients. These complex factors lead to digestion and absorption hypofunction in seniors, creating an unfortunate situation where no matter how well one eats, the body cannot properly utilize the food. Thus, the health of the small intestine is the core of whole-body health extending far beyond mere digestion. This is because the most vital step in generating energy for all the cells in our body to function occurs right in the small intestine.