Changes in appearance in middle age are due to all of the following EXCEPT

A) the layer of fat beneath the skin becomes thinner and skin becomes less taut.
B) less melanin causes hair to become gray and thinner.
C) shrinkage of intervertebral disks.
D) less vitamin and mineral content in diets.

The changes in appearance in middle age are primarily due to natural aging processes such as the thinning of the layer of fat beneath the skin and the reduction in skin tautness, as well as a decrease in melanin production that can cause hair to become gray and thinner. Shrinkage of intervertebral disks can also occur with age. However, changes in appearance are not typically caused by a decrease in vitamin or mineral content in diets, as long as individuals are consuming a balanced and healthy diet.