Dietary intake of a physically active elderly Spanish male group of high socioeconomic status

Abstract

The energy and nutrient intake of a group of 29 non-institutionalised elderly males was evaluated. Subjects were between 65 and 79 years of age and practised sport (usually tennis) daily. Their high income classified them as belonging to a high socioeconomic group. The subjects consumed more fruits, fish and non-alcoholic beverages than results reported for the sedentary elderly. Although the nutritional situation of the subjects is better than that of other elderly Spanish groups, more than 50% of the population showed intakes of vitamin D, zinc and magnesium lower than 80% of the recommended intakes (RI). Even though the intake of many of these nutrients will be higher than the observed, given the degree of underreporting noticed, a risk of falling into situations of deficit of these micronutrients must be considered. These require adjustment if a more optimum health and functional status is to be achieved.