Causes for reduced dietary intake in a long-stay hospital.
The food and nutrient intake of 98 patients in a long-stay geriatric hospital was measured. Intakes of nicotinic acid and iron were reduced in patients requiring help with feeding because of physical disability. This was related to a reduced intake of meat and fish, bread and vegetables other than potatoes. A more generalized reduction in food and nutrient intakes was found in patients with severe mental impairment. Possible causes and remedies for these associations are discussed.
D000368:Aged; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006782:Hospitals, Special; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000150:complications; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena