Showing papers on "Reference Daily Intake published in 2003"

Fast-food consumption among US adults and children: Dietary and nutrient intake profile

Abstract: Objective To examine the dietary profile associated with fast-food use. To compare the dietary intake of individuals on the day that they ate fast food with the day that fast food was not eaten. Design Cross-sectional study design. The dietary intake of individuals who reported eating fast food on one or both survey days was compared with those who did not report eating fast food. Among the individuals who reported eating fast food, dietary intake on the day when fast food was eaten was compared with the day when fast food was not eaten. Weighted comparison of mean intakes and pairwise t-test were used in the statistical analysis. Subjects/setting Data from 17,370 adults and children who participated in the 1994-1996 and 1998 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals. Dietary intake data were collected by 2 non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls. Results Fast-food use was reported by 37% of the adults and 42% of the children. Adults and children who reported eating fast food had higher intake of energy, fat, saturated fat, sodium, carbonated soft drink, and lower intake of vitamins A and C, milk, fruits and vegetables than those who did not reported eating fast food ( P Conclusions Consumers should be aware that consumption of high-fat fast food may contribute to higher energy and fat intake, and lower intake of healthful nutrients.

Dietary intake of ten key nutrients for public health, United States: 1999-2000.

Abstract: This report presents dietary intake estimates of 10 nutrients for the U.S. population by sex and age groups. Nutrient intakes are estimated from one 24-hour dietary recall interview conducted in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2000. Population means, medians, and standard errors of the mean are weighted to produce national estimates. Assessment of dietary intakes is an important part of monitoring the nutritional status of the U.S. population.

Proposed Nutrient Composition for Fortified Complementary Foods

Abstract: A proposed nutrient composition for fortified processed complementary foods (FPCF) is developed based on the other papers in this publication, which consider a number of factors such as age range, daily ration size, recommended nutrient requirements, contribution of human milk to these requirements, macronutrient interactions, compound bioavailability, methods of production and overage. The proposed fortification levels are based on a daily ration size of 40 g for infants aged 6-12 mo and 60 g for children aged 12-23 mo. A desired protein-energy ratio of 6-10% is used to estimate energy from protein. The desired percentage of energy from lipid is estimated at 24% for infants aged 6-11 mo and 28% for children aged 12-23 mo, with the remaining energy to be supplied from carbohydrate. An FPCF should provide a quantity of iron sufficient to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance in the form of dried ferrous sulfate of small particle size. Ascorbic acid, 70-140 mg for infants aged 6-11 mo and 50-100 mg for children aged 12-23 mo, will enhance iron absorption. Because of the lower bioavailability of zinc in cereal-based diets in developing countries, 4-5 mg of zinc in the form of zinc oxide is recommended. Proposed fortification levels are also provided for copper, calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A, the B vitamins and iodine. To prevent micronutrient losses, it is recommended that the FPCF be precooked. The knowledge base to develop an FPCF is quite limited, and much additional research is needed before an optimal formulation can be recommended.

Determination of several elements in duplicate meals from catering establishments using closed vessel microwave digestion with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry detection: estimation of daily dietary intake.

Abstract: An estimation of the dietary exposure of French consumers to 21 essential and non-essential mineral elements using duplicate meals (breakfast and lunch) purchased from catering establishments was investigated after digestion by a closed vessel microwave procedure and quantification by ICP-MS. Daily dietary exposure estimates for metals and minerals were compared with the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes (PTWI), the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) or the Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADI), as established by the FAO/WHO to estimate the risk of toxicity, and the US Recommended Daily Allowances (US RDA) or the Estimate Safe & Adequate Daily Dietary Intakes (ESADDI). Moreover, comparisons were made with those from previous French studies as well as those from other countries. The estimated mean daily intakes were 11 μg for lithium, 3.42 g for sodium, 192 mg for magnesium, 2.03 mg for aluminium, 3.64 g for potassium, 642 mg for calcium, 154 μg for chromium, 12.3 mg for iron, 2.15 mg for manganese, 4 μg for cobalt,...

Vitamins and minerals: A model for safe addition to foods

Abstract: Background Significant subgroups in most European populations have intakes below nationally recommended levels for several vitamins, minerals and trace elements, placing individuals at risk of suboptimal intake of important vitamins and minerals. The voluntary addition of micronutrients to the appropriate foods may help address the risks associated with low micronutrient intakes. However, concerns need to be addressed regarding the potential for unacceptably high intakes, particularly for those people consuming very large amounts of food. Aim of the study To develop a model to estimate the level of each micronutrient that can be added safely to foods. Methods A theoretical model was developed based on the critical factors which determine the risk of unacceptably high intake for each micronutrient at high levels of food/energy intakes. These included 1) Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL), 2) high micronutrient intakes in Europe at the 95(th) percentile intake for each nutrient, 3) the proportion of fortified foods in the diets of individuals at the 95(th) percentile for energy intakes, 4) the proportion of foods to which micronutrients could practically be added, and 5) a range of estimates for the fractions of foods which might be actually fortified for each nutrient. A maximum level was set up for each micronutrient per typical serving or 100 kcal portion. The outputs of the model were then compared against a recent model developed by AFSSA, based on the food intake data in France. Results Three categories of micronutrients were identified, in which micronutrients could be added safely to foods at levels (per serving, e. g., 100 kcal) 1) greater than 1 European Commission Recommended Daily Intake (EC RDA): vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, riboflavin, panthothenic acid, niacin and thiamine; 2) between 50 and 100 % of the EC RDA: vitamin B6, vitamin D, folic acid, biotin, copper, iodine and selenium; 3) between 10 and 40 % of the EC RDA: iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. A fourth category consisting of retinol, for which high end intake levels are close to UL for some population subgroups in Europe and thus requires further consideration. Conclusions A wide range of vitamins and minerals can be added safely to foods at nutritionally important levels in the current diets of Europeans.

Maintaining oral hydration in older adults: A systematic review

Abstract: Dehydration is the most common fluid and electrolyte imbalance in older adults. The objectives were to identify the factors that increase the risk of dehydration in older adults, how best to assess the risk and manage oral fluid intake. Data sources included Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase and Current Contents, which were searched until February 2002. Randomized controlled trials for management of adequate fluid intake were undertaken. Cohort and case control studies were used for the identification of risk factors for dehydration. Studies of assessment tools for the identification of dehydration were also considered. Results show that there is no clear determination of the risk factors for dehydration and decreased fluid intake. The recommended daily intake of fluids should be not less than 1600 mL/24 h in order to ensure adequate hydration. A fluid intake sheet and urine specific gravity might be the best methods of monitoring daily fluid intake. Regular presentation of fluids to bedridden older adults can maintain adequate hydration status. In conclusion, more research is required to determine the optimum method of maintaining adequate oral hydration in older adults.

Prevalence of anemia in children 1 to 12 years of age: results from a nationwide probabilistic survey in Mexico

Abstract: Objective. To describe the epidemiology and analyze factors associated with iron deficiency anemia in a probabilistic sample of the Encuesta Nacional de Nutricion 1999 (ENN99) [National Nutritional Survey 1999 (NNS-99)]. Material and Methods. The sample included 8 111 children aged 1 to 12 years, and was nationaly representative by rural and urban strata and by four geographical regions. Capillary hemoglobin was measured using a portable photometer (HemoCue). The analysis of the determining factors of anemia was performed by odds ratios derived from a logistic regression model and multiple regression models. Results. The prevalence of anemia was 50% in infants <2 years of age, with no significant differences between urban and rural strata or among regions. It varied between 14 and 22% in 6-11 year-old children and was higher in the South region and among the indigenous children. Dietary intake of iron was 50% of the recommended daily allowance in children <2 years of age, but not in older children. Phytate (≈500800 mg/d) and tannin (≈19 mg/d) intakes were very high in children over 7 years of age. Hemoglobin was positively associated with nutritional status of children (p=0.01), socioeconomic status (p range 0.05-0.001), duration of lactation in children under 2 years of age (p=0.1), and iron and calcium intake (p=0.02), but not with folic acid or vitamin B12 intake. Hemoglobin was negatively associated with maternal education (p=0.01) in older children, but not in those under 2 years of age. Conclusions. We present evidence of an alarming national epidemic of anemia, particularly marked

Evaluation of nutritional status and pathophysiology of growth retardation in patients with phenylketonuria.

Abstract: Summary: Recent European studies have shown that growth retardation is common in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) during the first years of life while they receive a low-phenylalanine (Phe) diet. The aims of the present study were to assess the growth of our PKU patients and to search for nutritional and hormonal explanations for the growth delay. Twenty PKU patients aged 8 months to 7 years entered the study. The design was cross-sectional, a longitudinal study having already been performed in our centre. The following data were recorded: weight/height (W/H), height/age (H/A), and weight/age (W/A) Z-scores; fat-free mass (measured from bioelectrical impedometry (FFM1), and skinfold thickness (FFMA). Thyroid hormones, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP3), selenium, zinc, and Phe blood levels were measured. Dietary intake was also recorded over 4 days. PKU patients were moderately but significantly shorter (H/A Z-score varied from −2.12 to 1.61; mean −0.49) and lighter (W/A Z-score varied from −2.58 to 1.49; mean −0.71) than the French reference population. Body composition was not different from that of controls matched for age and sex. IGF1, IGFBP3, and thyroid hormone levels were within normal range. All children received more than two-thirds of the recommended daily allowances for energy (91%±18%) and for proteins (146%±26%). The mean daily intake of our patients was sufficient in selenium, but markedly deficient in zinc (2.4±2.2 mg/day). No correlation was found between zinc daily intake or zinc plasma levels and growth retardation. Moreover, no relation was found between the plasma Phe concentrations, protein or caloric intake and the presence of growth retardation. Our results show that growth retardation in PKU patients is not related to hormonal or caloric deficiencies. Further studies are needed to investigate the effect of various nutrient supplementation regimens (especially zinc) on the growth of PKU patients.

Dietary magnesium intake influences circulating pro-inflammatory neuropeptide levels and loss of myocardial tolerance to postischemic stress.

Abstract: Severe dietary Mg restriction (Mg9, 9% of recommended daily allowance [RDA], plasma Mg = 0.25 mM) induces a proinflammatory neurogenic response in rats (substance P [SP]), and the associated increa...

Individual assessment of intake of energy, nutrients and water in 54 elderly multidiseased nursing-home residents

Abstract: PURPOSE: Examination of the individual intake of energy, nutrients and water in clinically stable multidiseased nursing-home residents METHODS: Comprehensive clinical assessment of 54 elderly nursing-home residents (80 +/- 10 years, mean +/- SD) The intake of food and beverages was measured by the weighed food intake method during five consecutive week days followed by computerized transformation to energy, 21 different nutrients, dietary fiber, alcohol and water The resting energy expenditure was determined by indirect calorimetry RESULTS: There was at least 2-3-fold, variation in intake of energy, nutrients and water, present also when expressed per kg body weight For some micronutrients the relative intake variation was more than 8-fold The results are compared with the present swedish recommended dietary allowances as well as with seven other studies of dietary intake in elderly using the weighed food intake method The residents had on average 141 (range 6-31) different current clinical problems and were treated with a mean of 95 different drugs The nursing staff spent 40 % of the total daytime working hours (7 am to 7 pm) on nutrition related issues CONCLUSIONS: The nursing-home residents exhibited a large interindividual heterogeneity regarding intake of energy, nutrients and water More emphasis should be given to individualized nutrition assessment in clinical geriatric care as a more solid base for nutrition treatment programmes integrated with the regular medical management and evaluation

Can nutrition counselling be more behavioural? Lessons learned from dietary management of cystic fibrosis

Abstract: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetically-inherited disorder that results in energy imbalance. Undernutrition is common in children with CF and associated with poor health outcomes. To ensure optimal growth and nutrition, children with CF are recommended to consume 120-150 % of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for energy, but most studies show they typically are only able to achieve 100 % of the RDA. While biological factors clearly contribute to poor dietary adherence, recent studies have documented behavioural and environmental barriers to adherence that includes parent-child interaction at mealtimes. While not 'abnormal', parent behaviours such as paying increased attention to the child in the form of coaxing, commanding and feeding when the child is engaged in behaviours incompatible with eating (food refusal, talking, leaving the meal) may serve to reinforce these child non-eating behaviours. Thus, dietary counselling alone, albeit necessary, is typically insufficient because of failure to specifically address these behavioural and environmental barriers to dietary treatment. Behavioural intervention that targets both nutrition education and behavioural management has been found to be effective in achieving an average increased energy intake of 4200 kJ (1000 kcal)/d and weight gain of 1.48 kg over 9 weeks in children with CF. This intervention utilizes self-monitoring, goal setting and shaping to structure the delivery of treatment. It also teaches parents to utilize child behaviour-management techniques to motivate children to increase their energy intake. These behavioural strategies include differential attention (praising and ignoring), contingency management and behavioural contracting. The potential application of these techniques to dietary counselling is suggested.

Database of the iodine content of food and diets populated with data from published literature

Abstract: A database of results for the iodine content of foods and die ts was prepared for a DFID funded project looking at "Environmental Controls in Iodine Deficiency Disorders". It was populated with citations from the literature and contains 732 records. On the basis of these data, the geometric mean result for the iodine content of foods is 87 μg/kg, from 494 citations. Using classifications based on food type the following order for levels of iodine is determined: Marine fish (1455.9 μg/kg) > Freshwater fish (102.8 μg/kg) > Leafy vegetables (88.8 μg/kg) > Dairy (83.9 μg/kg) > Other vegetables (80.1 μg/kg) > Meat (68.4 μg/kg) > Cereals (56.0 μg/kg) > Fresh fruit (30.6 μg/kg) > Bread (17.0 μg/kg) > Water (6.4 μg/l) (The figure in brackets represents the geometric mean value for each group) The results show that in general grain crops are poorer sources of iodine than vegetables and that there is some equivocal evidence to suggest that leafy vegetables contain higher iodine concentrations than other vegetables but fish and seaweed are by far the greatest natural sources of iodine in foodstuffs. The geometric mean result for the average daily dietary intake is 161 μg/day, based on 84 citations. It is noted that vegetarian and vegan diets often do not meet the recommended adult daily intake of 150 μgI/day due to the lack of dairy, meat and fish components. Results also show that Japanese, USA and Canadian dietary intakes are higher than other countries. Intake depends not only on the iodine content of the food but also on the composition of the diet. Results show that food accounts for over 90% of human iodine exposure in most circumstances with water and air providing minimal inputs. However, in subsistence populations drinking highiodine groundwaters, water can contribute more than 20% of the dietary intake. Results of dietary studies show the following general order of percentage daily iodine intake from the main food groups in Western Countries: Dairy (50%) > Cereals (20%) > Fish (9%) > Meat (8%) > Vegetables (7%) > Sweets (5%) > Fruits (1%) The majority of iodine in Western diets comes from adventitious sources such as iodophors in the dairy industry, red food colouring and improvers in cereals, bread, meat and sweets. Removing these components to equate to a developing country diet where people are often dependant on staple grain foodstuffs such as rice shows that intakes fall below 100 μg/day. It is concluded that without adventitious sources of iodine or a marine foods component, most diets would fail to provide the recommended daily intake of 150 μg/day.

The real vitamin and mineral book : a definitive guide to designing your personal supplement program

Abstract: Now updated and revised, this book provides clear understanding of what ever vitamin, mineral and new supplement can actually do. It helps you design your own personalised nutrient programme and offers a scientifically documented Optimum Daily Intake to follow (similar to Recommended Daily Allowances).

Dietary fiber, energy intake and nutritional status during the treatment of children with chronic constipation

Abstract: The present prospective study was carried out to determine dietary fiber and energy intake and nutritional status of children during the treatment of chronic constipation. Twenty-five patients aged 2 to 12 years with chronic constipation were submitted to clinical evaluation, assessment of dietary patterns, and anthropometry before and after 45 and 90 days of treatment. The treatment of chronic constipation included rectal disimpaction, ingestion of mineral oil and diet therapy. The standardized diet prescribed consisted of regular food without a fiber supplement and met the nutrient requirements according to the recommended daily allowance. The fiber content was 9.0 to 11.9 g for patients aged less than 6 years and 12.0 to 18.0 g for patients older than 6 years. Sixteen patients completed the 90-day follow-up and all presented clinical improvement. The anthropometric variables did not change, except midarm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness which were significantly increased. Statistically significant increases were also found in percent calorie intake adequacy in terms of recommended daily allowance (55.5 to 76.5% on day 45 and to 68.5% on day 90; P = 0.047). Percent adequacy of minimum recommended daily intake of dietary fiber (age + 5 g) increased during treatment (from 46.8 to 52.8% on day 45 and to 56.3% on day 90; P = 0.009). Food and dietary fiber intake and triceps skinfold thickness increased during follow-up. We conclude that the therapeutic program provided a good clinical outcome.

Dietary and nutritional patterns in an elderly rural population in Northern and Southern Italy: (II). Nutritional profiles associated with food behaviours

Abstract: Objective: To describe the nutritional profiles of the food consumption patterns identified in an elderly Italian rural population. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Population-based study. Subjects: A total of 847 men and 1465 women aged 65 y or older, resident in rural areas in the province of Pavia (Northern Italy) and near Cosenza (Southern Italy) in 1992–1993. Interventions: A cluster analysis segregated the subjects into six groups for men and seven for women on the basis of similarities in their food intake (see companion paper). The mean daily energy, macronutrient, mineral and vitamin intakes were calculated for the sample as a whole and for each cluster, and then compared with the age- and gender-specific recommended daily allowances for the Italian population. Results: The largest cluster (‘small eaters’, which included about half of the population) had an insufficient intake of essential fatty acids, calcium, potassium, zinc (men), iron (women), thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, β-carotene, and vitamins A, D and E. The most noticeable characteristics of some of the other clusters were a high intake of fats, a high proportion of total energy provided by sugars, a high intake of vitamin C, folic acid and β-carotene, and a high alcohol consumption. Furthermore, sodium intake was too high in all of the clusters and vitamin D intake was generally inadequate. Conclusions: The dietary habits of elderly Italians living in rural areas combine elements of the Mediterranean and ‘wealthy’ diets. Sponsorship: National Research Council (Italy) — ‘Invecchiamento’ Project no. 95.01048.PF40.

Five-year prospective analysis of dietary intake and clinical status in malnourished cystic fibrosis patients

Abstract: Background Poor growth and malnutrition still pose a problem in cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of the present study was to assess nutrition, as well as clinical status, of malnourished CF patients during a nutritional care programme. Material and methods The study comprised 38 CF patients, aged 1–18 years old. The prospective annual assessment of dietary intake and clinical status was carried out during 1994–98. Results The energy intake increased, in comparison with recommended daily allowances, from 83.6 ± 4.8% in 1994 to 107.9 ± 4.9% in 1998. A similar tendency was observed for the percentage of energy derived from fat (30.3 ± 0.8% versus 35.1 ± 0.8%) and protein (11.4 ± 0.4% versus 13.8 ± 0.4%). In subsequent years of the study, an improvement in the fat profile of the diet (with a higher consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids) was observed. The observed increase of vitamin A and E consumption was related chiefly to changes in the doses of supplementation. During these 5 years, an improvement in nutritional status (Z-score: height −1.34 ± 0.13 versus −1.08 ± 0.14 and weight −1.40 ± 0.09 versus −1.12 ± 0.08) and lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s: 75.5 ± 2.0% versus 77.8 ± 2.2%) was observed. Conclusion The nutritional care programme resulted in stable quantitative and qualitative changes in dietary intake. Although the diet does not reach the recommended level of high-energy intake, the positive impact of increasing nutrient intake on the nutritional and clinical status of malnourished CF patients was documented.

Adaptation of Inuit children to a low-calcium diet

Abstract: FOR INUIT CHILDREN, A TRADITIONAL DIET contains 20 mg of elemental calcium per day, well below the recommended daily intake. To identify alterations in intestinal or renal calcium absorption, 10 healthy Inuit children (5 to 17 years of age) were given a standardized calcium load (Pak test). Five had hypercalciuria (hyperabsorptive in 3 and renal leak in 2), a frequency markedly different from that for white children (p < 0.004) and not explained by calcitropic hormone and serum calcium levels, which were normal. There was a preponderance of the bb vitamin D receptor genotype (8 of 10 subjects; p < 0.01 for comparison with white populations). Dietary calcium absorption appeared to be more efficient in these Inuit children, with an increased frequency of hypercalciuria associated with the bb genotype. This may represent a genetic adaptation to dietary constraints and may predispose to nephrolithiasis or nephrocalcinosis if standard nutritional guidelines are followed.

Valor nutricional de la dieta en embarazadas sanas: Resultados de una encuesta dietética en gestantes

Abstract: Goal: The purpose of the present paper is to describe the level of nutritional adequacy of the regular diet of pregnant women belonging to our health-care area. Scope: Health-care area of Valme Hospital, Seville. Design: Randomized transversal descriptive study. Subjects: Forty-nine pregnant women during their first trimester. Interventions: The daily intake was assessed by means of a 24-hour reminder sheet and a weekly consumption survey. The data obtained were compared with the recommended daily intake of nutrients and with the recommended daily allowances for various foods. At the same time, an anthropometric and basic analysis were also carried out. Results: The calorie intake was as recommended (2,208 ± 475 kcal/day). The diet contained excessive amounts of proteins (88 ± 21 g/day) and fat (97 ± 27 g/day), with a predominance of monounsaturated fats (46.9 ± 5.5%) over saturated (36.6 ± 7.2%) or polyunsaturated fats (15.1 ± 7%), (p 30 kg/m 2 ) was 18.4%. Conclusions: The normal diet of pregnant women in our health-care area is short on calcium, iron, folic acid and dietary fibre, although with an excess of animal protein and fat.

Food and nutrient intake in a group of self-managing elderly Swedish women.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: With the increasing numbers of elderly women living at home, there is an interest to investigate the dietary intake of this group.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the food and nutrient intake ...

Planning diets for individuals using the dietary reference intakes.

Abstract: Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are now available for energy, macronutrients, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and can be used to plan diets for individuals. This article defines the four DRIs (the Estimated Average Requirement, the Recommended Dietary Allowance, the Adequate Intake, and the Tolerable Upper Intake Level), and describes two other reference standards—the Estimated Energy Requirement and the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range. Planning diets for individuals involves identifying the appropriate nutrient intake goals, translating the nutrient goals into food intake (and supplement use, if warranted), assessing the plan, and revising it if required. This process is illustrated using case studies of a female vegetarian marathon runner and an older male smoker.

Proposed Vitamin A Fortification Levels

Abstract: Fortified complementary foods could be effective in preventing and controlling vitamin A and other common nutritional deficiencies in young children. Milk from well-nourished women is an excellent source of vitamin A. However, in Latin America many children are weaned prematurely and must receive the entire requirement of vitamin A from food. This paper proposes vitamin A fortification levels for foods targeted for children aged 6-23 mo to meet the existing intake gap among both breast-fed and weaned infants and young children. Estimates assume a nonsignificant contribution of common complementary foods and average levels of human milk intake by breast-fed infants and children. The estimated vitamin A gap for breast-fed infants aged 6-11 mo amounts to 63-92 microg RE [16-23% of recommended daily intake (RDI)] and for breast-fed children reaches 125 microg RE (31% of RDI). Weaned infants and children would have to fully meet the RDI (400 microg RE) from complementary foods. A fortified complementary food with 500 mg RE/100 g of dry product provided daily in a single ration of 40 g would meet 50% of the gap for weaned infants aged 6-11 mo and would raise the total intake above RDI for breast-fed infants aged 6-8 mo (125%) and 9-11 mo (127%). The same fortified food given in a daily ration of 60 mg would meet most of the gap (75%) for weaned children aged 12-23 mo and would increase total intake of breast-fed children aged 12-23 mo well above the RDI (144%), with no risk of exceeding established upper tolerable intake levels.

Daily intake of macronutrients in a group of institutionalized elderly people in León. Spain

Abstract: Monitoring of energy distribution of the three macronutrients of diet could be beneficial in order to improve the physiological status of elderly people. The objective of this study is to analyse total daily energy intake as well as the caloric contribution of the macronutrients and alcohol, which make up basic diet of five nursing homes in Leon (Spain). Dietary consumption was evaluated in a group of 107 elderly people, aged 65-98 years. A precise weighing method was used to conduct the control of food intake covering seven days. Protein, carbohydrates, fat, alcohol, dietary fiber and cholesterol intake were obtained. Weight, and Height also were measured. Total dietary energy intake was significantly higher in men (130.5%) than in women (115.6%), with regard to recommended value. Relative contribution of macronutrients to total energy intake is extremely unbalanced. Energy derived from protein was very high (16.7%), energy derived from fat was also very high, and significantly higher for females (39.6%) than for males (34.4%), whereas the proportion derived from carbohydrates was very low, although also significantly higher in females (41.5%) than in males (35.8%), due to the high energy percentage that make up the alcohol intake in males (9.1%). A review of the diet offered by nursing homes, not only directed at the adjustment of total energy intake but also with respect to alcohol intake and macronutrient content of foodstuffs used in the elaboration of the menus, would be required in order not to unbalance the caloric profile of the diet.