THIAMIN STATUS OF THE ELDERLY - DIETARY-INTAKE AND THIAMIN PYROPHOSPHATE RESPONSE

Objective: The present study was undertaken to investigate the relatio nship between thiamin intake and its biochemical status in 60 free-liv ing (30 male, 30 female) elderly subjects (greater than or equal to 65 years). Design: Dietary intake was estimated using a 3-nonconsecutive -day food record. Biochemical status was assessed by measuring the sti mulating effect of thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) on transketolase activi ty (TPP effect) in hemolyzed erythrocytes, which is a functional test indicative of metabolic availability of thiamin. Results: Average dail y thiamin intake was above the recommended requirement (>0.4 mg/1000 K cal) for each gender; however, almost half of the total study populati on had TPP effect > 14%, suggesting thiamin deficiency. There was no c orrelation between thiamin intake and TPP effect. Conclusion: These fi ndings raise questions about the reliability of dietary intake in asse ssing metabolic availability of thiamin in the elderly.