Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine the proportion of Australian adults >65 years with nutrient intakes less than 70% of the current national RDIs and investigate associated differences in both diet quality and quantity.
METHOD: Intake data were collected as part of the National Nutrition Survey 1995 representing all areas of Australia. Dietary intake of 1960 (902 males) adults >65 years was assessed using a structured 24-hour diet recall. Intakes of 12 micronutrients were compared with current Australian recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) and assessed as > RDI, < RDI but > 70% RDI, and < 70% RDI.
RESULTS: Intakes of vitamin A, magnesium, potassium and calcium were < 70% RDI in 12-24% males and 14-61% females. In addition 10% and 43% females had low intakes of folate and zinc respectively. None of the participants had intakes of niacin or vitamin C < 70% RDI, and few males had low thiamin intakes. Specific nutrient density and energy intake (kJ/kg) were significantly less in those with intakes < 70% RDI for eight of the 12 nutrients studied.
CONCLUSIONS: In general the low nutrient intakes reported here can be attributed to diets of poor quality, in terms of low nutrient density, and quantity of food eaten. Age-specific targeted nutrition promotion strategies are required to improve overall health of older Australians.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 243-7 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | The journal of nutrition, health & aging (JNHA) |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - 2001 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Australia
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Diet/standards
- Energy Intake/physiology
- Female
- Health Promotion
- Humans
- Male
- Mental Recall
- Micronutrients/administration & dosage
- Minerals/administration & dosage
- Nutrition Policy
- Nutrition Surveys
- Vitamins/administration & dosage