FOOD-INTAKE AND BODY-MASS INDEX IN THE PRIVATELY INSTITUTIONALIZED ELDERLY IN TEHRAN

Food intake and Body Mass Index (BMI) of privately institutionalized e lderly in Tehran was studied using a 5-day food intake survey and anth ropometric measurements. Thirty-seven males and sixty-three females in private institutions were selected, The intake of many nutrients incl uding protein, calcium, zinc, vitamins A, riboflavin, folic acid and c obalamin, were deficient. Almost half the subjects were under the 5th percentile of standard BMI for their age and sex, indicating chronic e nergy malnutrition. More attention needs to be paid to this group of v ulnerable people.