MACRONUTRIENT CONSUMPTION AND NUTRITIONAL-STATUS IN A SELECTED WELL-ESTABLISHED GROUP OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN A HOME FOR THE AGED IN ISRAEL

Objective: To evaluate the distribution pattern of the main macronutri ents (protein, fat, carbohydrates) and fiber in a selected well-establ ished group of elderly people, average age above 80 years. Method: Die tary consumption was evaluated in a well-established group of 21 elder ly people in a home for the aged by in-person interview using a food f requency questionnaire. Results: Daily energy intake was 1.87 Meal (7. 8 MJ) or 29.3 kcal/kg body weight, a value which lies within the range of 1.6 to 2.0 Meal or 25 to 30 kcal/kg, found in 12 other studies con ducted on elderly people. The average percentage of energy derived fro m 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 coeff icients of correlation were found between protein intake and the follo wing parameters: serum urea (r = 0.28), cholesterol (r = 0.48) and DBP (r = 0.43). Conclusions: In our small group of elderly, energy derive d 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 val ues were remarkably higher than the suggested values. Energy derived f rom carbohydrates was close to that found in other studies. Monitoring of dietary macronutrients might improve the nutritional and the physi ological status of the elderly.