International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 369-379 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 375 6.3 Elderly health management case The increasing elderly population worldwide faces significant challenges related to age-related malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. A systematic review of micronutrient problems and health impacts on the elderly revealed that inadequate food intake is a major factor influencing these deficiencies. Common deficiencies include vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, and vitamin B12, which are closely related to decreased immune function and various comorbidities such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, dementia, and anemia. The review recommends the development of food-based dietary guidelines and health promotion strategies to address these nutritional deficiencies and improve the quality of life for the elderly (Mustofa et al., 2023). Incorporating TCM into elderly health management can also be beneficial. A study exploring the value of TCM thinking in the health management of elderly diabetes patients found that TCM-based management significantly improved disease control and quality of life. This suggests that TCM can be a valuable addition to health management strategies for the elderly, helping to address chronic diseases and improve overall well-being (Wu et al., 2022). Additionally, the integration of TCM and Western medicine in small-group experiential learning models has shown to enhance health outcomes, further supporting the potential of TCM in elderly health management (Wang et al., 2022). 7 Challenges and Opportunities 7.1 Theoretical challenges One of the primary theoretical challenges in integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern nutrition science lies in the fundamental differences in their conceptual frameworks. TCM operates on a holistic approach, emphasizing balance and harmony within the body, which contrasts sharply with the reductionist approach of modern Western medicine that focuses on isolated biological mechanisms (Li, 2016; Zhao et al., 2020). This divergence makes it difficult to reconcile the two systems, as TCM's theories, such as the spleen-stomach being the "root" of post-heaven and the homology of medicine and food, are not easily quantifiable or testable using conventional scientific methods (Zhao et al., 2020). Additionally, the complexity of TCM's components, metabolites, and bioactivities presents another theoretical challenge. The lack of a unified methodology to systematically elucidate the effectiveness of TCM has hindered its acceptance in mainstream medicine. Recent efforts to apply set theory and classification-based methodologies aim to simplify these complexities, but the integration of these approaches with modern scientific paradigms remains a significant hurdle (Chen et al., 2021). The holistic nature of TCM, which treats diseases through a network of interactions rather than targeting specific symptoms, further complicates its integration with the more linear approaches of modern nutrition science (Li, 2016). 7.2 Practical difficulties Practically, one of the significant difficulties in integrating TCM with modern nutrition science is the lack of robust, evidence-based research. TCM's reliance on historical and anecdotal evidence does not meet the rigorous standards of modern clinical trials, making it challenging to validate its efficacy and safety (Chan et al., 2015; Zhao et al., 2020). This gap in evidence-based research is compounded by the need for specialized training for dietitians and clinicians in TCM, which is not widely available in contemporary medical education systems (Zhao et al., 2020). Moreover, the technical challenges of studying TCM are substantial. The use of advanced techniques like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and omic technologies has been proposed to bridge the gap between TCM and modern science, but these methods require significant expertise and resources (Buriani et al., 2012; Chen et al., 2021). The integration of these advanced techniques into routine practice is not straightforward and demands a concerted effort in terms of training, funding, and interdisciplinary collaboration (Buriani et al., 2012). Additionally, the regulatory landscape for TCM products and practices is often underdeveloped, posing further obstacles to their widespread adoption and integration (Chan et al., 2015). 7.3 Future research directions and opportunities Future research should focus on developing a more robust evidence base for TCM through well-designed clinical
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