Aim: To assess dietary intake and serum mineral and vitamin levels in elderly people from Northwest Spain consuming a Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, olive oil, dairy products and moderate in wine. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study in four retirement homes. Forty-five men and 65 women participated. Dietary intake and serum calcium, magnesium, iron, retinol, α-tocopherol, albumin, cholesterol, glucose and hematological parameters were determined. Results: Mean consumption of fruit plus vegetables was 600 g/day. Men consumed significantly more legumes, fruit, meat, and alcoholic beverages, but fewer vegetables than women. Women presented higher carbohydrate and lower alcohol energy contributions. Men consumed significantly more thiamin, niacin equivalents, riboflavin, retinol equivalents and iron. Vitamin D intake was 2.2 ± 1.2 µg/day and folate intake was 204 ± 47 µg/day without gender differences. Prevalence of anemia was 6.7% and that of high ferritin, 1.8%. Serum cholesterol and retinol were higher in women. Mean serum α-tocopherol/cholesterol ratio in the whole population was 6.3 ± 2.3 mmol/mol without gender differences. Conclusion: This elderly population consumes an Atlantic-Mediterranean diet that appears, according to biochemical and hematological parameters, appropriate. However, more fatty fish and leafy green vegetables and the inclusion of fortified foods in the diet might optimize micronutrient status.

Keywords:
Atlantic diet, Elderly, vitamin deficiencies, Food fortification, Institutionalized elderly persons, Mediterranean diet, Micronutrient deficiencies in elderly, Minerals and vitamins in elderly, Nutritional status of elderly
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel
2004
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.