The elderly are more susceptible to illness during seasonal changes: Which aging mechanisms silently weaken immunit?
(SKĐS) – During seasonal transitions, older adults are more prone to illness, and recovery often takes longer due to the gradual decline of the body’s internal defenses. Experts from the Nutricare Medical Nutrition Institute – USA (NMNI–USA), emphasize that the key to restoring health and boosting immunity lies in proper and sufficient nutrition, especially high-quality […]
(SKĐS) – During seasonal transitions, older adults are more prone to illness, and recovery often takes longer due to the gradual decline of the body’s internal defenses.
Experts from the Nutricare Medical Nutrition Institute – USA (NMNI–USA), emphasize that the key to restoring health and boosting immunity lies in proper and sufficient nutrition, especially high-quality protein sources.
“Immune Aging” – The reason older adults recover slowly and experience prolonged physical decline
After the age of 50, the body no longer functions as efficiently as before. Aging simultaneously affects the immune system, digestive system, musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular health, and nutrient absorption. Scientists refer to the age-related decline in immune function as Immunosenescence – a silent mechanism that gradually weakens the body’s defenses over time.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that aging reduces immune function, making the body more susceptible to infections, inflammation, and worsening of underlying conditions. Similarly, the U.S. National Institute on Aging (NIH) notes that older adults exhibit slower and weaker immune responses than younger individuals, leading to slower recovery. This explains why older adults are more prone to illnesses—especially influenza and pneumonia—and often experience persistent fatigue and delayed recuperation.
According to Nature Reviews Immunology and the Journal of Clinical Investigation, international studies identify three core reasons for immune decline in older adults: Reduced production of new immune cells: The bone marrow produces fewer immune cells, and existing immune cells respond more slowly, prolonging inflammation; Muscle loss with age: Aging leads to decreased muscle mass, which contributes to chronic inflammatory responses; Seasonal vulnerability: The U.S. CDC warns that seasonal transitions are high-risk periods for older adults, as the immune system is “challenged,” increasing the likelihood of influenza, pneumonia, and cardiovascular complications..
Older Adults Need a Specialized Nutrition Plan
Beyond medical interventions, nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining health. According to WHO, adequate and balanced nutrition is essential for a healthy immune system in older adults.
Among nutrients, protein is foundational for immunity. A well-functioning immune system requires sufficient protein because 100% of antibodies are proteins, most immune cells are made from amino acids, and muscles—serving as an energy reserve for recovery—are also built from protein.

Older adults often eat less, absorb nutrients less efficiently, and are prone to deficiencies in essential amino acids. Natural muscle loss occurs at a rate of 1–2% per year after age 50. Therefore, the PROT-AGE Study Group and the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) recommend that adults over 50 consume 1.0–1.2 g of protein per kg of body weight per day, higher than younger adults, to maintain immunity and support recovery.
To address absorption challenges and preserve muscle mass, older adults need a specialized nutrition plan, focusing on protein-rich foods. Consulting a nutrition expert can help identify suitable dietary supplements designed to support overall health.
Nutricare Gold and Ready-to-Drink Nutricare Gold (collectively “Nutricare Gold”) provide a balanced nutrition solution for older adults, combining easily absorbed plant protein and whey protein. Whey protein is specifically researched for older adults, rich in leucine—a key amino acid that stimulates muscle protein synthesis, while plant protein balances amino acids and supports gentle digestion.
When combined, these proteins help enhance immunity, accelerate immune cell regeneration, support recovery after illness, and maintain healthy muscle mass, promoting mobility and overall physical function in older adults.
Nutricare Gold – Supporting health for older adults
Nutricare Gold is a nutrition solution developed by Nutricare in collaboration with the Nutricare Medical Nutrition Institute – USA (NMNI-USA). Enriched with 56 essential nutrients along with plant and whey proteins from the U.S., Nutricare Gold helps strengthen overall health, supports recovery, and provides targeted nutritional support for older adults needing replenishment during recovery or periods of higher nutritional demand.

Nutricare Gold contains healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as HMB, Glucosamine, and Lactium to promote overall health. In which:
HMB primarily protects and develops muscle mass by slowing muscle loss, helping reduce the risk of sarcopenia due to aging, intensive exercise, or illness. Glucosamine supports cartilage maintenance and regeneration, clinically proven to prevent degeneration and reduce joint pain.
Additionally, the product is enriched with Omega 3–6–9 and antioxidants to support vascular health, stabilize blood lipids, and lower the risk of metabolic disorders. Vitamins and minerals meet U.S. FDA recommendations, providing all essential amino acids and key micronutrients including Vitamins A, D, E, K, Zinc, and Selenium, which are critical for immune function.
According to Dr. David Clark, Director of the Nutricare Medical Nutrition Institute – USA (NMNI-USA), older adults are recommended to consume 2 servings of Nutricare Gold daily, combined with light physical activity, adequate hydration, keeping warm, and biannual health check-ups. This regimen supports overall health and helps shorten recovery time after illness.
Nutricare – A 15-year journey of pioneering Medical nutrition
Over the past 15 years, Nutricare has consistently pursued its mission of supporting public health, developing high-quality medical nutrition solutions that meet the comprehensive health needs of millions of Vietnamese families. To achieve this, Nutricare has actively expanded international collaborations, notably its strategic partnership with the Nutricare Medical Nutrition Institute – USA (NMNI-USA), applying U.S. nutrition standards to create products tailored to the physiology and needs of the Vietnamese population.

In September 2025, Nutricare was honored as one of four exemplary Vietnamese enterprises awarded the National Brand of Vietnam, selected by the Ministry of Industry and Trade to be featured in the “Nation-Building Startup” exhibition space at the special event celebrating the 80th National Day (September 2). This participation is a recognition of Nutricare’s significant contributions to the field of medical nutrition and public health.
Among the highlighted products, Nutricare Gold stood out as a flagship nutritional achievement, showcased at the event to underscore its quality, nutritional value, and trusted reputation among consumers.



