Evaluation of micronutrient intakes of older Australians: The National Nutrition Survey--1995.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the proportion of Australian adults >65 years with nutrient intakes less than 70% of the current national RDIs and investigate associated differences in both diet quality and quantity.


METHODS
Intake data were collected as part of the National Nutrition Survey 1995 representing all areas of Australia. Dietary intake of 1960 (902 males) adults >65 years was assessed using a structured 24-hour diet recall. Intakes of 12 micronutrients were compared with current Australian recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) and assessed as > RDI, < RDI but > 70% RDI, and < 70% RDI.


RESULTS
Intakes of vitamin A, magnesium, potassium and calcium were < 70% RDI in 12-24% males and 14-61% females. In addition 10% and 43% females had low intakes of folate and zinc respectively. None of the participants had intakes of niacin or vitamin C < 70% RDI, and few males had low thiamin intakes. Specific nutrient density and energy intake (kJ/kg) were significantly less in those with intakes < 70% RDI for eight of the 12 nutrients studied.


CONCLUSIONS
In general the low nutrient intakes reported here can be attributed to diets of poor quality, in terms of low nutrient density, and quantity of food eaten. Age-specific targeted nutrition promotion strategies are required to improve overall health of older Australians.
Bannerman
E
E
Department of Public Health-Nutrition Unit, Flinders University of South Australia, PO Box 2100 Adelaide, South Australia 5001. elaine.bannerman@flinders.edu.au
Magarey
A M
AM
Daniels
L A
LA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D018977:Micronutrients; D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins