Macronutrient consumption and nutritional status in a selected well-established group of elderly people in a home for the aged in Israel.

Abstract

To evaluate the distribution pattern of the main macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates) and fiber in a selected well-established group of elderly people, average age above 80 years.

Dietary consumption was evaluated in a well-established group of 21 elderly people in a home for the aged by in-person interview using a food frequency questionnaire.

Daily energy intake was 1.87 Mcal (7.8 MJ) or 29.3 kcal/kg body weight, a value which lies within the range of 1.6 to 2.0 Mcal or 25 to 30 kcal/kg, found in 12 other studies conducted on elderly people. The average percentage of energy derived from macronutrients (with an individual range) was: protein 17.5 (13-22); fat 32.9 (25-44); and carbohydrates 49.6 (35-61). Fiber intake was 8.6 g/Mcal, lower than that found in three other studies. Positive coefficients of correlation were found between protein intake and the following parameters: serum urea (r = 0.28), cholesterol (r = 0.48) and DBP (r = 0.43).

In our small group of elderly, energy derived from protein was higher than that in most of other studies reviewed, and that from fat was higher than in half of those studies. These values were remarkably higher than the suggested values. Energy derived from carbohydrates was close to that found in other studies. Monitoring of dietary macronutrients might improve the nutritional and the physiological status of the elderly.