Nutritional risk factors in Hungarian elderly-Biomarker2019 survey

Abstract In Hungary, about a quarter of the population is over the age of 60 and their proportion is projected to increase considerably within a few decades. According to the 2009 and 2014 European Health Interview Survey data, 87% of Hungarian older adults suffer from at least one non-communicable disease (NCD). Many of the NCDs are associated with poor nutrition. Reliable data on nutritional status of this age group is scarce. The Biomarker2019 survey provides comprehensive data on the nutritional status of this vulnerable age group. The cross-sectional survey was carried out in western Hungary. Participants aged ≥60y were selected from non-institutionalized patients of general practitioners' practicing in Western Hungary (n = 200). Data collection involved a questionnaire, physical examinations, three-day dietary record, and a collection of biological samples (fasting blood and 24-hour urine). 77% of the participants had high blood pressure diagnosed by a physician. 85% of men and 76% of women were overweight or obese, according to the BMIs. The mean proportion of energy from fat was higher (men: 39 E%, women: 37 E%), that from carbohydrates was lower in men (43 E%) than recommended, while it was adequate in women (47 E%). The mean protein intake was adequate in both sexes. Cholesterol intake was 433 mg/day for men and 317 mg/day for women, both higher than the Hungarian recommendations. The fiber intake was 23.8 g/day for men and 23.6 g/day for women, both below the recommended values. Based on the estimates of salt intake from 24-hour urine, 90% of participants had a higher salt intake than recommended. Nutritional risk factors predisposing to the development of NCDs were identified in the sample. The results of the study contributed to the development of a food-based dietary guideline tailor made to the Hungarian elderly population (60+ Health - Dietary Guideline for the Elderly), its dissemination to the target audience has been started. Key messages The identification of nutritional risk factors in a sample of older adults contributed to the development of a new food-based dietary guideline for the elderly population. The results can form the basis of further public health interventions.