GROWTH-HORMONE AND IGF-I PLASMA-CONCENTRATIONS AND MACRONUTRIENT INTAKE MEASURED IN A FREE-LIVING ELDERLY POPULATION DURING A ONE-YEAR PERIOD

Objective: To determine seasonal variations in circulating concentrati ons of growth hormone and IGF-I in healthy, free-living elderly and to identify correlates between dietary intake, growth hormone and IGF-I concentrations in this population. Methods: Seven-day diet records and plasma samples were collected throughout a 1-year period. Plasma grow th hormone and IGF-I were determined by RIA. Dietary macronutrient int ake was determined using Nutritionist TV. Results: The dietary intake of the population corresponded to the established recommendations for percentage of fat, carbohydrate and protein. Carbohydrate intake diffe red significantly during the year, but protein and fat did not. Hormon e concentrations were constant throughout the year, with no significan t differences observed. No correlation between plasma growth hormone a nd IGF-I was observed. Growth hormone and IGF-I concentrations did not correlate with macronutrient intake, however subjects with the lowest energy intakes tended to have higher growth hormone and lower IGF-I t han those with higher energy intakes. Conclusion: This study provides important information on the dietary intake and hormone concentrations in normal, healthy elderly which will be useful in comparison with pe rsons of similar age with complicating illnesses or nutrient deficienc ies.