The nutrition analysis tool: Comparing perceived vs actual nutrient consumption in the elderly diet

Nutrition education with regard to increasing or decreasing consumption of nutrients to improve health may not produce the desired effect if consumers incorrectly perceive their intake of individual nutrients. The objective o f this study was to determine if the elderly are cognizant of their nutrien t intake. Subjects (n = 16). averaging 68 years of age, recorded their food intake for one day. Subjects examined their food record and estimated inta ke of seven nutrients (vitamin A, calcium, iron, cholesterol saturated fat, total fat and fiber) as a percentage of the Recommended Dietary Allowances or the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The elderly accurately perceived their calcium intake. They estimated 89% and consumed 91% of the recommende d level. However, subjects underestimated total fat, saturated fat and chol esterol. They consumed 21%, 65%. and 30% more total fat, saturated fat. and cholesterol, respectively, than estimated. Iron and vitamin C intakes were both significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) underestimated, while fi ber was significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) overestimated. Interne t-based nutrition analysis software may provide a cost-effective way to eva luate the degree to which the elderly and other population groups comprehen d the nutritional quality of their present diets. (C) 2001 Academic Press.