Dietary Intake and Biochemical Indicators of Nutritional Status in an Institutionalized Egyptian Elderly Population

Background: Aging is a process associated with physiological changes such as in body composition, energy intake, and physical activity. Data on energy and nutrient intake adequacy among elderly is important for disease prevention, health maintenance and program development. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status of institutionalized Egyptian elderly people. Method: The nutritional status of 750 apparently healthy elderly people aged from (65-85 y) were randomly selected from subjects of eight institutions in Cairo and Giza governorates. Seven day dietary recall was used to describe usual dietary intake. Anthropometric variables and biochemical parameters were measured. Results: The present results showed that dietary intake of both men and women when compared with the (RDA) showed an intake deficiency of fat. They also had lower mean intake in vitamin (A, C, E) and niacin. Both of men and women showed lower intake of calcium, zinc and selenium. The anthropometric measurements showed that women had higher BMI than men (p<0.05). The total body water (TBW) and fat free mass (FFM) were higher in men than in women, but percentage of body fat was higher in women than in men. Handgrip strength (Kg) was significantly higher in men than in women. Blood pressure was significantly higher in women than in men. Blood properties were evaluated by analyzed serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, creatinine, vitamins A,C and E, calcium, zinc and selenium. No significant differences were found in hemoglobin and fasting blood glucose between men and women. The mean level of total cholesterol was significantly higher in women than in men. People who reported being food insufficient had significantly lower serum levels of calcium and the antioxidants vitamin E,C and selenium. Conclusions: While the protein intake was adequate according to the recommended dietary allowance, the micronutrient intake was found to be lower than the RDA. It is essential for elderly people to eat a nutritionally adequate diet consisting of a variety of foods which contain high levels of antioxidants and micronutrient. Correspondence to: Dr. Soraya T. El-Damhougy, The Department of Food Science and Nutrition, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt. An appropriate nutrition intervention programs are required to improve the nutritional status of Egyptian elderly people.