Assessment of dietary adequacy for an elderly population based on a Mediterranean model
Padro, L.; Benacer, R.; Foix, S.; Maestre, E.; Murillo, S.; Sanviçens, E.; Somoza, D.; Ngo, J.; Cervera, P.
Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging 6(1): 31-33
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1279-7707 PMID: 11813078 Document Number: 545368
This study analysed whether at different energy levels, a varied diet based on Mediterranean Diet patterns would meet the RDIs for specific nutrients in an elderly population (age, >65 years) in Spain. Based on RDIs for elderly persons >65 years for proteins, fats, carbohydrates, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate and fibre, menu models based on Mediterranean diet food patterns were calculated for the following calorie levels: 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700 and 1800 kcal. 15 menu variations for each calorie level were then created based on the previously calculated models. Utilizing the Program for Alimentation and Nutrition (PAN) database, nutritional analysis was carried out for all menus and the mean nutrient values for a 2-week period were calculated for each calorie level. Intakes at all calorie levels provided adequate amounts of folate, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A and vitamin B6. Intakes were low in all groups for calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E, magnesium and zinc, with the exception of the 1800 kcal level for vitamin E. Results show that at low energy levels, meeting nutrient needs is difficult and that even at higher calorie intakes, contrary to what was expected, certain nutrients are inadequate.