Dietary intake and biochemical indicators of nutritional status in an elderly institutionalized and non-institutionalized population

摘要

In a Spainsh study the nutritional status of 352 elderly men and women, 161 institutionalized and 191 living in their own homes, was assessed. Subjects were free of clinically apparent terminal or wasting illness. Food intake was evaluated by a foodfrequency questionnaire. Height, weight, body mass index, triceps skinfold, mid-arm circumference, mid-arm muscle circumference, mid-arm fat free mass area as well as serum albumin, total serum proteins and total lymphocyte count, were measured. Overallthe diet of the subjects was low in carbohydrates and rich in fat. There was an intake deficiency of vitamins A, C and D. Individuals who were living independently had the highest percentage of inadequate intake, with the exception of vitamin C [ascorbic acid]. Institutionalized subjects had less body fat. No differences were found in the biochemical parameters between the 2 groups, although the percentage of females with mild lymphocyte depletion was higher in the non-institutionalized group. It is concluded that nutrient intake in northern Spain is similar to other developed countries in Europe.