Stomach

Although aging has no significant effect on secretion of acid and pepsin by the stomach, conditions that reduce acid production are common. Reductions in basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion that occur with aging (hypochlorhydria) are attributable to atrophic gastritis, the prevalence of which is increased by Helicobacter pylori infection. In the absence of atrophic changes in the gastric mucosa, the number of acid-secreting (parietal) cells probably increases with aging.

Evidence indicates that aging diminishes the capacity of the gastric mucosa to resist damage. A number of factors that may be important in cytoprotection, including gastric mucosal blood flow and secretion of prostaglandin, glutathione, bicarbonate, and mucus, diminish with aging. These changes may account for the impaired barrier function of the gastric mucosa and the increased risk of gastric and duodenal ulcers in the elderly, particularly those caused by NSAIDs. These changes may also contribute to an increased incidence of H. pylori-induced gastroduodenal ulcers in the elderly.

Aging is associated with a modest slowing of gastric emptying, which may prolong gastric distention, increase meal-induced fullness and satiety, and predispose to decreased food intake and some degree of weight loss.

This topic was last updated May 2005.