Characterization of food intake and nutrient in elderly chilean adults

Introduction: The elderly population is a constantly growing demographic group in Chile and worldwide. It represents a group of high nutritional risk, given the health complications that occur. Objective: To describe the quantity and quality of nutrients, and the main food consumed by elderly, older and younger than 80 years. Subjects and methods: 514 autonomous elderly men and women, living in Santiago, Chile participated in the study. Food intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. About 338 foods were collected, and the contribution of macro and micronutrients by food groupwas calculated. Comparisons were made on the average intake between older and younger than 80 years. Results: No significant differences in macro and micronutrient intake among women, older and younger than 80 years were found. Differences in the intake by age in the men group was found, for calories, carbohydrates, fiber, iron, thiamin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, copper, magnesium, and selenium (p< 0.05). Bread is an important contributor of folic acid and B vitamins. Dairy contributed the greatest amount of B12. Most iron was provided by bread and cereals. Calcium provided by dairy and breads. Conclusions: The traditional foods in the Chilean diet, such asbread, contribute significantly to the intake of nutrients. It would be important to thoroughly analyze the reasons why differencesin consumption where found in men, older and younger than 80 years, to improve nutrient intake in this population at risk.