Mineral and vitamin status in elderly persons from Northwest Spain consuming an Atlantic variant of the Mediterranean diet.
OBJECTIVE
To assess dietary intake and serum mineral and vitamin levels in elderly people from Northwest Spain consuming a Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, olive oil, dairy products and moderate in wine.


METHODS
Cross-sectional observational study in four retirement homes. Forty-five men and 65 women participated. Dietary intake and serum calcium, magnesium, iron, retinol, alpha-tocopherol, albumin, cholesterol, glucose and hematological parameters were determined.


RESULTS
Mean consumption of fruit plus vegetables was 600 g/day. Men consumed significantly more legumes, fruit, meat, and alcoholic beverages, but fewer vegetables than women. Women presented higher carbohydrate and lower alcohol energy contributions. Men consumed significantly more thiamin, niacin equivalents, riboflavin, retinol equivalents and iron. Vitamin D intake was 2.2 +/- 1.2 microg/day and folate intake was 204 +/- 47 microg/day without gender differences. Prevalence of anemia was 6.7% and that of high ferritin, 1.8%. Serum cholesterol and retinol were higher in women. Mean serum alpha-tocopherol/cholesterol ratio in the whole population was 6.3 +/- 2.3 mmol/mol without gender differences.


CONCLUSIONS
This elderly population consumes an Atlantic-Mediterranean diet that appears, according to biochemical and hematological parameters, appropriate. However, more fatty fish and leafy green vegetables and the inclusion of fortified foods in the diet might optimize micronutrient status.
Vaquero
M Pilar
MP
Departamento de Metabolismo y Nutrición, Instituto del Frío, CSIC, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España. mpvaquero@if.csic.es
Sánchez-Muniz
Francisco J
FJ
Carbajal
Angeles
A
García-Linares
M Carmen
MC
García-Fernández
M Camino
MC
García-Arias
M Trinidad
MT
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000886:Anthropometry; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004034:Diet Surveys; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012737:Sex Factors; D013030:Spain; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood
D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins