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[Mildly Frail] How can I eat well?
Overview

Sufficient nutrition is important in the prevention and management of frailty.

Having sufficient amount of nutrition helps to maintain muscle strength and preserve bone mass, reducing the risk of falls and fractures. Seniors who are more well-nourished tend to fall sick less often and recover faster.

Maintain a balanced diet

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Include high protein foods in every meal

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  • Sufficient protein intake is important to maintain muscle mass
  • Ideally, try to take protein foods immediately after exercise
  • Include animal sources of protein in your diet
  • See here for more protein ideas!
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Include foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D

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  • 1000mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D are recommended daily
  • 1 star represents 100mg of calcium
  • Calcium and vitamin D help to keep your bones strong
  • Food sources for vitamin D includes oily fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel, cod), eggs, margarine, fortified cereals, fortified dairy (milk, cheese, yoghurt) and fortified soy milk
  • See here for more calcium ideas!
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Include whole grains, fruits and vegetables

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  • Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are also high in fibre, which is important for good bowel health
  • Insufficient vitamins and minerals intake has been associated with higher risk of frailty

Next: Staying Active and Keeping Fit

This article was updated in 2026.